Immediate implants: the implant placed straight after tooth extraction

With an immediate implant, the implant is placed in the same session in which the tooth is extracted, directly into the empty tooth socket. This avoids a second procedure and the wait for the wound to heal. However, this is only possible if there is enough healthy bone and the tissue is free of inflammation.

The immediate implant is one of several options we offer at our practice in Küsnacht. You can find an overview of structure, materials and procedure on our page about dental implants in Küsnacht. Here you can find out how an immediate implant differs from an implant placed later and who it is suitable for.

Immediate implant or delayed implant?

With the conventional approach, the tooth is extracted first. The wound then heals and the bone stabilises before the implant is placed. After that, the implant itself still has to fuse with the bone. Together, these two healing phases often take several months.

With an immediate implant, the first waiting period is eliminated: tooth extraction and implant placement take place in a single procedure. However, the implant still needs time to heal into the bone, usually several weeks to a few months. An immediate implant therefore shortens the overall treatment time, but does not replace the healing period.

When can an immediate implant be used?

Whether an immediate implant is an option for you depends mainly on the condition of the bone and gums. Important requirements are:

• Enough stable bone: The implant must be firmly anchored in the jaw from the outset. If there is not enough bone, bone augmentation is needed first and the implant is placed later.
• No acute inflammation: If the area around the tooth is inflamed, the inflammation must heal first. The implant is then placed after a few weeks.
• Gentle tooth extraction: The tooth is removed in a way that causes as little damage as possible to the bone and gums.
• General health: Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes or certain medications can make healing more difficult.

A common reason is a tooth that can no longer be saved after an accident or because of a fracture, especially if the surrounding bone is healthy. Whether the requirements are met can only be reliably assessed after an examination and a 3D X-ray.

Advantages and limitations

If the initial situation is suitable, an immediate implant offers a number of advantages:

• One procedure fewer, because tooth extraction and implant placement are carried out together.
• A shorter overall treatment time.
• Depending on the situation, the gap can be closed quickly with a temporary restoration.

There are also limitations, however. Not every situation is suitable, and like any surgical procedure, immediate implant placement carries risks, such as infection or, in the upper jaw, injury to the maxillary sinus. Whether the implant can be loaded straight away depends on how firmly it sits when it is placed. It often heals without chewing load at first. And like any implant, it needs very thorough care to prevent inflammation of the surrounding tissue (peri-implantitis).

If an immediate implant is not an option, there are good alternatives: an implant placed later, a conventional bridge or a denture. If the jaw is narrow, mini implants to stabilise a denture may be an option. You can read how implants and bridges compare in our guide Dental implant or bridge.

How we work at our practice

• Consultation and diagnosis: We examine the tooth, gums and bone, discuss your wishes and also explain the alternatives to you.
• Digital 3D planning: Using a three-dimensional X-ray (CBCT) and an intraoral scan, we plan the position, length and angle of the implant. You can find out more in our guide 3D scanning in dentistry.
• Tooth extraction and implant placement in one session: Under local anaesthesia, we gently remove the tooth and place the implant using a surgical guide. We mainly use implants from Straumann, as well as from Thommen, and CAMLOG on request.
• Healing: While the implant fuses with the bone, you will receive a temporary restoration if needed.
• Final crown: Once healing is complete, we fit the final crown. We choose the material to suit your situation; the crown is made in our partner laboratory StarDent or in another specialised laboratory.

Frequently asked questions

Does an immediate implant hurt?

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia, so you usually feel nothing during it. Afterwards, there may be some swelling and a feeling of pressure for a few days. If you feel nervous, the treatment can also be carried out with nitrous oxide on request; you can find out more on our page for anxious patients.

Will I have a fixed tooth straight after the procedure?

Not always. If the implant sits very firmly when it is placed, a temporary restoration can be attached straight away, depending on the situation. Often, however, the implant first heals without any load. The final crown follows after the healing period.

Does an immediate implant last as long as a conventional implant?

With a suitable initial situation, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, an immediate implant, like any implant, can last for many years. There is no guarantee that it will last a lifetime.

How much does an immediate implant cost?

The costs depend on how complex the procedure is, whether bone augmentation is needed and which crown is placed on it. On request, we will prepare a cost estimate for you in advance, which you can also submit to your insurer. You can find our rates under Tariff point values.

Would you like to know whether an immediate implant is an option for you? Book a consultation online at our practice on Seestrasse in Küsnacht.