Implant dentistry is a safe, predictable method
for replacing missing teeth. Placement of tooth implants at the time of extraction is a great method of implant placement. This method can be considered when a single upper front tooth is traumatized, when
one or two teeth have advanced decay, or when the remaining roots are
too short to support a crown. The purpose of this method of tooth replacement is
to maintain as much bone volume as possible. This means preserving bone height
and width. The benefits to the patient after restoration of dental implants are
a beautiful, natural-looking tooth without cutting down healthy adjacent teeth
and being able to eat in comfort without the fear of having the tooth loosen or
fall out.
An implant dentist can easily determine if a person is a candidate for the immediate dental implants method of replacing missing teeth. They will examine the teeth adjacent to the involved
tooth for periodontal disease and take a traditional dental X-ray. Impressions of the
teeth will aid in determining one's prognosis. Additional X-rays may be
necessary to determine the exact bone width and height, as well as the root
position.
Implant placement is performed with local anesthesia. The remaining root is
removed and the gum tissue is gently displaced from the surrounding tissue. The dental
implant site is prepared with small drills. Special equipment is used to gently
place the tooth implant into the prepared site, after which the gums are replaced over
the implant with sutures. A temporary tooth replacement is placed in the space where the
tooth was removed. Post-operative discomfort is minimal. The sutures are removed
in a week, and oral hygiene is resumed.
In the upper jaw, bone grows and adheres to the tooth implant within five to six months, while
the dental implants in the lower jaw require three to four months for proper bone
formation. After healing, there is a series of visits when an implant dentist will make a
tooth that will be attached to the implant. Within a few weeks after receiving
the implant-supported crown, patients consider the restoration as their own
tooth, rather than an implant.
Implants require good oral hygiene, dental maintenance, and periodic
evaluation by a dentist. For further information regarding placement of tooth implants
at the time of extraction, look in PubMed, searching the following key words:
placement of implants at time of extraction, dental implants, immediate
implants.
