What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts designed to act as prosthetic tooth roots. They are strategically placed in the jawbone and support a crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike removable dentures that sit on the gums, implants fuse with bone through a process called osseointegration and are designed to be a stable foundation for replacement teeth. This stability is created to help patients chew, speak, and smile more naturally.
Immediate vs. Delayed Implant Placement: What’s the Difference?
Immediate Implant Placement:
- The implant is inserted during the same appointment as the tooth extraction.
- This approach has been found to lead to successful integration of the implant into the bone, according to the Dentistry Journal.
- Healing still occurs, but the timeline can be shorter compared to waiting months before placement.
Delayed Implant Placement:
- The implant is placed weeks or months after extraction.
- Has been found to support high implant survival rates and esthetic outcomes. However, requires substantial healing time until the final restoration is complete.
- It may be recommended for cautionary purposes by our general dentist.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Immediate Placement | Delayed Placement |
| Healing Time | Designed to be shorter overall. | Can be longer to allow for healing. |
| Bone Preservation | May be higher. | Variable. |
| Risk of Success | Can be slightly lower (78.2% success). | Higher (81.2% success). |
| Appointments Needed | Fewer. | More |
According to the Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, most patients will undergo two surgical procedures for delayed dental placement.
Who is a Candidate for Same-Day Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for same-day implant placement. Dentists assess several factors:
- Oral Health: Gums and surrounding teeth must be free from infection or advanced gum disease. Patients should not have issues with clenching or grinding their teeth.
- Lifestyle Habits: Smoking and heavy alcohol use may reduce implant success and the healing period.
If these conditions are favorable, our caring dentist may recommend immediate placement. Otherwise, delayed treatment is designed to achieve an effective and predictable outcome.
Considering Your Options?
Unsure if you qualify for same-day dental implants? Book a consultation with our Mississauga dental team to explore your options. Our understanding doctors will carefully evaluate your oral health and provide a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you.
Benefits and Risks of Immediate Implant Placement
Benefits:
- Fewer total appointments compared to delayed treatment.
- Designed to preserve bone structure at the extraction site.
- Created to be a quick restoration to support chewing and speaking function.
Risks:
- Slightly higher chance of implant failure if healing is compromised.
- Not appropriate when infection or significant bone loss is present.
- Requires precise planning and case selection.
You can trust that we carefully evaluate each patient to minimize risks and provide customized, practical treatment recommendations.
Local Flavour: Dental Implants in Mississauga
If you live near Tomken Road, Dixie, or commute past Square One, our clinic is conveniently located to serve the Mississauga community. Many of our patients appreciate being able to access personalized implant care close to home, without long drives across the GTA.
Understanding Full Mouth Dental Implants
For patients missing several or all teeth, full-mouth dental implants are created to replace the need for conventional dentures. These implants are fixed in place, which can improve stability and self-esteem.
Treatment varies in complexity and may involve multiple surgical phases. Patients should discuss whether this is a suitable option during consultation.
For more details, visit our dental implants service page.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants are designed to endure for decades. Although they are not a permanent solution, they are created to provide long-term results. The titanium root integrates with bone. However, the crown (visible tooth portion) may require replacement after 10 years due to wear.
Longevity depends on:
- Daily brushing and flossing.
- Regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoiding tobacco use.
- Hard hits to the mouth or biting into hard objects can damage the crown or implant.
Types of Dental Implants
Single Implants: Created to replace one missing tooth with a crown supported by a single implant.
Implant-Supported Bridges: Developed to restore smiles with multiple adjacent missing teeth with a bridge anchored by implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Crafted to support a full arch of teeth, offering more stability than traditional removable dentures.
Each treatment plan is customized based on oral health, bone condition, and patient goals.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Placement
Aftercare Tips:
- Brush twice a day and floss carefully around the implant.
- Ensure you use an antibacterial mouth rinse if recommended.
- Avoid smoking, which can interfere with healing and the procedure process.
- Schedule professional cleanings at least twice a year.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or using your teeth as tools.
- Follow dietary recommendations immediately after surgery to promote healing.
Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common at the surgical site is normal after surgery but should improve with proper care. At Tomken Dental, we’re proud to offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation which are designed to reduce dental fears and anxiety. Visit our sedation dentistry page for details.
FAQs About Dental Implants
What is the osseointegration stage of the implant procedure?
Osseointegration is when a dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone. In the days and weeks following surgery, the bone and tissues start to heal. Over the course of several months, new bone cells grow and securely attach to the implant, ensuring it is held firmly in place. Learn more about this restoration via our Dental Implants page!
How long is the recovery after implant surgery?
The initial healing phase is usually the first 24-48 hours after your procedure, during which you may experience some swelling and discomfort that eventually subsides. The osseointegration phase takes around three to six months. Book a consultation with us to discuss this restoration, recovery, and the procedure in more detail at (866) 590-8321!
Do implants require special care?
No special products are needed to care for your oral well-being after your implant procedure. Ensure you stick to a soft diet after your treatment to avoid putting pressure on the surgical area, maintain proper oral hygiene, and plan for follow-up visits. If you’re a new patient interested in implants, join our dental practice through our New Patients page.
Are implants painful?
Most patients report mild discomfort, similar to tooth extraction, after the procedure process and during healing. However, this restoration is not designed to be painful or cause you discomfort. Sedation solutions are created to help reduce anxiety and avoid irritation. You can get more familiar with these solutions by checking out our Sedation page.
What if I’m not a candidate for immediate placement?
Delayed placement or other treatments, such as bridges or dentures, may be recommended to restore your smile. Fortunately, these solutions are personalized to your dental health and crafted to replace missing teeth effectively. If you’re interested and want to learn more about restorations and what they can offer you, connect with us at (866) 590-8321 today!
“Thanks to Dr. Istabraq and the entire Tomken Dental team for the customer service and professional work that they did for my teeth.” – Ahmed D.