Same-Day Den­tal Implants Vs. Tra­di­tion­al Implants

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. And with so many treatment options available, you’d be forgiven for getting confused. From single teeth to entire arches, and permanent restorations to removable options, it’s easy to see why patients can be overwhelmed by the choices.

Perhaps your friend has been raving about their treatment plan and you want to see if this could work for you? Or maybe you’ve read about same-day dental implants online but you’re not sure how this plan works. In this guide, we’re exploring the differences between same day dental implants and traditional dental implants, so you’ll have a better understanding of the options available.

What are dental implants?

First things first, what is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an innovative treatment plan that allows your dentist to replace missing teeth using an artificial tooth root. It’s the closest thing we have to a full restoration that is both functional and aesthetic.

With a dental implant, you can chew food with confidence, as the force of your bite is spread through your jaw instead of onto the surrounding teeth (as with a bridge) or the gums (as with a denture).

What are traditional dental implants?

When dentists refer to traditional dental implants, they often mean the shorter implants. These are placed straight into the jaw bone and left to heal in a process known as osseointegration. This treatment plan takes longer, as we need to wait for the implants to heal and form a solid foundation before the load-bearing crown or arch is placed.

Traditional dental implants are suited for a single implant crown, an implant bridge, or for a full arch restoration using multiple implants as a support. We would typically use 4-6 implants for an entire arch restoration. With this treatment option, you could have fixed or removable implants that use a magnetic system to hold the denture securely in place.

What are same-day dental implants?

Same day implants is a new treatment plan that allows your dentist to place load-bearing implants on the same day. This is achieved by using longer implants that are placed at an angle. The angle of the implant means that we don’t have to wait for the implants to heal before you can wear the finished arch restoration.

Same day implants are only suitable for full-arch restorations and you may have a choice between fixed and removable options, but fixed options are more common.

What is the difference between these two treatment plans?

The biggest difference is the time it takes to place the final denture. For traditional implants, you could be waiting for around 6 months before your restoration is completed. With same-day implants, you could walk out of the practice on the same day with your new teeth.

You will naturally need to be careful about what you eat as your implants heal, but this treatment option is often a lot more tempting for those who don’t want to wear a temporary denture while they wait for their implants to heal.

There is also a difference in the type or restoration you can have. With same day teeth, you can only choose a full arch restoration. But with traditional dental implants, you could have a single tooth restoration.

Same day teeth might be recommended if you have insufficient jaw bone density to support traditional dental implants. This is because we can use much longer implants which can reach the cheek bones, which will offer better support.

How do I choose the right treatment for me?

The best option is to book a dental implant consultation with our team. This is an ideal opportunity to learn more about each treatment plan and how it could help you.

It’s not always the patient’s choice, and sometimes you will be a candidate for one treatment and not the other. So, before you get your heart set on a particular treatment plan, it’s best to meet with an implant specialist to find out which options are available to you.

Common questions about dental implants

To help answer any lingering questions that could impact your decision to book a consultation, here are some common questions that dental implant patients have.

How long do you go without teeth when getting implants?

You don’t have to spend any time without teeth if you don’t want to. With traditional dental implants, you can wear a temporary denture while you wait for your final arch restoration. And with same day implants, you can typically walk out of the practice with your new arch of teeth fitted the same day.

Are dental implants fixed or removable?

The majority of dental implants are fixed in place and only a dentist can remove them. With traditional dental implants, you’ll also have the option for “snap on” dentures, that will allow you to easily remove your denture to clean it. This is a popular choice if you have reduced mobility and might struggle to clean your teeth effectively.

How many teeth can you replace with implants?

You can replace all of your teeth with implants if you choose. With multiple dental implants, you’ll have the option to restore an entire arch of teeth. The force of your bite is distributed between anchor points that fix to your jaw, offering a feeling very similar to natural teeth.

How long is the recovery after dental implants?

This depends on how long you take to heal. You’ll usually be feeling yourself again after a few days. You can gradually start to introduce more foods into your diet and this transition will help you to get used to wearing your implants. Most people are eating their usual diet in 7-10 days. With same day dental implants, we recommend going at your own pace and stick to soft food until the implants have had a chance to heal.