
In a given year, approximately 5 million oral implants are fitted around the globe.
It’s easy to see why; they are cost-effective, feel realistic and offer a solution to missing teeth without the additional hassle of ulcers or sores.
However, the fitting of traditional oral implants relies heavily on there being enough jaw bone present. Not only that, but your jaw bone has to be in good condition and cannot be being eroded by conditions like osteoporosis.
But what about the general fitting of an oral implant? If you are having a tooth extracted, can you have your dental implant in Melbourne fitted on the same day?
Why an extraction would be needed before an oral implant fitting
While you may think that having a full set of oral implants is ideal, any dental practitioner will inform you that nothing quite beats natural teeth.
But in the event that you have severe cavities, fractures or have been through a trauma, your dentist may opt to remove your tooth or teeth before fitting your dental implant from Melbourne.
Can an implant be fitted the same day as an extraction?
This will be up to the discretion of your dentist.
If you have sufficient jawbone and good oral health, they may be able to place a dental implant near Melbourne on the same day that they extract the tooth.
However, some dentists advise against such practices, stating that the area needs time to heal fully; placing an implant may cause further aggravation to a delicate area, which may cause an abscess to form.
If your dental team advises you to wait between the extraction and the implant fitting, the wait should be no longer than 6 months. After that, the jawbone will begin to recede, which can cause it to become too thin or too frail for a traditional endosteal implant.
What if my jaw is damaged?
If your jaw has been damaged through an accident and you need to have fractured teeth extracted, there are many options open to you in relation to dental restoration.
Firstly, your dentist may wish to see if your jaw heals on its own but once again, that should not go past the standard 6 month waiting period, which can be limiting if your jaw has been severely damaged. If your jaw is still damaged after that period, your dentist may try a bone graft. This is when a piece of bone (usually from your shin or chin) is taken and placed on top of the area where the oral implant will be placed.
Once again, this will require regular visits to your dentist to ensure that the bone graft is fusing. If successful then you can have endosteal implants fitted in under a year.
If it is not successful, your dental team may advise that you undertake a different kind of oral implant which does not have the same limitations as endosteal; subperiosteal or micro-implants are good alternatives for patients who have minimal or damaged jaws.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.