Immediate Loading

Traditionally, dental implant treatment has been performed in two steps.

The first involves carefully installing the implant, which is then left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient is normally provided with a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown(s) can be attached to the implant(s).

Today, there is an alternative to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed in one whole piece in one single session. This new method has simplified the procedure a lot, making the experience more pleasant and less complicated for patients. It means that you can have your implant placed and a tooth placed onto the implant within a day!

The result of this treatment protocol is instant aesthetics and function. Immediate placement of the implant crown can only be undertaken on specific patients whom meet the strict selection criteria. A decision on whether or not you are a suitable candidate for immediate loading depends on several factors, such as your general dental health, the number of teeth missing and which teeth are being replaced.

These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period. Immediate loading can apply to a single missing tooth as well as patients with no teeth wearing full dentures. The case below documents the immediate loading technique to replace a missing upper central incisor tooth. The provisional crown was placed at the same time as the implant placement.

Immediate loading can apply to a single missing tooth as well as patients with no teeth wearing full dentures.

The case below documents the immediate loading technique to replace a missing upper central incisor tooth. The provisional crown was placed at the same time as the implant placement.