Immediate Implants

Immediate implants refer to placement of implants at the same time as extraction. This approach is successful and predictable, ONLY if performed in carefully selected sites. When considering an immediate implant or discussing it with a patient, you may follow these guidelines.

Most predictable sites

  • Immediate implants are most predictable when placed in single rooted teeth.
  • Potentially suitable sites include the incisors, canines, and some premolars.
  • They should be avoided in the molars due to increased complications and failure.

Health of the surrounding bone

  • The bone surrounding the extracted tooth which will support the implant must be intact with no major bone loss or defects.
  • If there is a bony defect, it is best to graft the site to restore the bone, and place the implant at a later time.
  • There should be no infection or pus present. Placement of implants in an infected site risks high failure rates and improper healing.

Implant and extraction site relationship

  • The diameter of the extracted tooth should be relatively smaller than the implant being used. This is important, because proper implant healing requires direct contact between the implant and bone.
  • Primary stability is vital for success.
  • If there is no primary stability, and the implant is mobile in the extracted site, it will fail.

Consider immediate implants…

  • In single rooted teeth.
  • If there is no infection.
  • If adequate bone is present.
  • If an implant can be placed with good stability.

Avoid immediate implants…

  • In molar sites.
  • In the presence of infection.
  • If significant bone is missing.
  • If the implant cannot be held tightly in the bone due to wide diameter of the extracted tooth.