Aspen Dental: How Same Day Dental Implants Work in Muncie.

Dental implants can restore a smile, but traditional implants, no matter how few teeth are being replaced, take several months and multiple appointments to succeed. Same-day dental implants condense the process into fewer appointments, helping to restore the patient’s smile more quickly in Muncie, Indiana. This article explains how same-day dental implants work and their pros and cons.

Dental implant consultation

First, the patient meets with their dentist in Muncie, Indiana, for an initial consultation. The dentist evaluates the missing or damaged tooth’s spot and the surrounding area visually and with X-rays or advanced imaging technologies. The dentist does this for two reasons:

• Candidacy: The patient must have healthy gums and adequate jawbone in the area for same-day dental implants. Healthy gums minimize complications, whereas adequate jawbone is needed for the implants to fuse properly.
• Treatment planning: The dentist must also have a comprehensive view of the area to plan treatment if the patient is a good candidate.

The dentist may review the patient’s medical history to see if any conditions or medications could complicate the procedure. If the patient is a good candidate, they will schedule the implant procedure with the dentist.

The implant procedure

Next, the patient visits the dentist to undergo the procedure. The dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area and eliminate pain. Other sedative options, such as nitrous oxide or general anesthesia, may be available depending on the patient’s comfort level.

The dentist then makes an incision into the gums to reach the jawbone and install the implant. They then place the abutment on top of the implant in the same procedure, rather than waiting for a separate appointment.

Finally, the dentist places a temporary crown to mimic the patient’s natural teeth and restore their smile. The temporary crown is designed to last a few weeks, allowing the patient to continue their daily life while the permanent crown can be made.

The crown placement

Manufacturing the permanent crown may take a couple of weeks. Once the dentist receives the crown, the patient returns to the dentist for the fitting. If the crown fits properly and looks good, the patient is officially finished with their procedure.

Pros and cons of same-day dental implants

Same-day dental implants can offer more speed and convenience, but may also come with some drawbacks:

Pro: Faster than traditional dental implants

Traditional dental implants can take several months or longer since the dentist breaks the process into more steps. The implant post is placed and left to fuse first, meaning the patient may have to wait several months before they have a usable crown.

Same-day dental implants install the post and abutment on the same day, plus a temporary crown. This allows the patient to restore the look and some of the function of their teeth immediately while the implant heals and fuses to the bone.

Pro: More comfortable than dentures

With traditional dental implants, one may need to wear temporary dentures to cover the implant post throughout the process. These dentures may be uncomfortable and require extra care to keep in good shape.

Same-day dentures are more comfortable since they are attached to the patient’s jawbone rather than just sitting on the teeth and gums. While patients must still be cautious for several months post-op, they can use their teeth more easily.

Pro: Fewer dental visits

Traditional dental implants split the process into several appointments:

• Initial consultation
• Implant post placement
• Abutment placement
• Crown placement

Same-day dental implants eliminate one of the visits since the dentist places the implant post and abutment simultaneously. Instead, they may only have three visits for an initial consultation, the implant post and abutment placement, and the crown placement. Fewer appointments make same-day dental implants more convenient.

Con: Can be expensive

Dental implants cost a significant amount. Same-day dental implants may cost more due to the additional work and expertise the dentist needs. Materials may also increase costs if they differ from traditional implants, such as those for the temporary crown. However, some patients may save in the long run by paying for fewer visits, reducing time and money at the dentist, and minimizing potential lost income from work.

Con: Jawbone-implant fusion still takes time

Same-day dental implants may condense the procedure into fewer appointments, but osseointegration, the fusion of the implant to the jawbone, still takes several months. That means once the patient has their permanent crown, they must still follow the dentist’s post-op care instructions. That may include avoiding crunchy or hard foods or specific care directions for the implant. Failing to follow these can shift the implants and increase the risk of complications or the need for corrective measures.

The bottom line

Same-day dental implants dramatically shorten the implant process, restoring the patient’s smile and some of the missing tooth’s functionality more quickly while reducing the number of dental appointments. However, these may cost more than traditional implants, and patients must carefully follow their dentist’s post-operative instructions to ensure the implants fuse properly. Patients considering dental implants should schedule a visit with their dentist in Muncie, Indiana, today to see if they’re a good candidate for same-day implants.

Contact Information:
Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Manager