Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

Simultanenous tooth extraction and dental implant procedures

by Lonnie Bryant

In some cases where a tooth will need to be removed, the patient may wish to start the dental implant procedures at the same time. By placing an implant at the same time as a tooth removal, the patient can often minimise the bone loss and movement of surrounding teeth, which usually occurs after a dental extraction. The dentist can also place a temporary crown in place over the implant so that the patient does not have a visible gap between teeth.

Here are some factors that influence whether this will be an option for a patient.

Absence of infection

If the tooth site is highly infected, it may not be appropriate to insert the implant until the infection is cleared. Insertion of a dental implant in an infected site can lead to a failure of the implant. Regardless of whether a tooth has been removed prior to inserting the implant, the periodontist will usually require the patient to a take a course of 'covering' antibiotics starting before the implant is inserted and continuing for a few days after the implant as been inserted.

Ease of access

It is generally easier and quicker to pull out single rooted front teeth and incisors and place the implant, rather than back teeth where the access is more limited and multiple teeth roots need to be removed. The extraction and implant insertion are likely to take longer for molars and this can make it harder for the patient to remain still while the procedure is being carried out.

Patient's relaxation or willingness for sedation

Given the length of the combined procedure, the patient either needs to be very relaxed about the entire procedure, or willing to be under sedation (either twilight or general anaesthesia). For anxious patients the advantage of a single procedure is to minimise number of appointments and anaesthesia recovery period. While the trade off can be a higher amount of pain recovery during recovery in some cases, the overall period of treatment is reduced and this can be a significant advantage for many patients.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of a same day tooth extraction and dental implant, you should make an appointment with an experienced dentist like Dr. John Michalopoulos to assess your suitability for the procedure. They can assess your damaged tooth and come up with a course of treatment that will maximise the chance of the dental implant being successful.


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About Me

Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

There are more than two ways to straighten a smile, and in this blog, I plan to discuss them all. I plan to look at the differences between braces and retainers and explain why sometimes you may need them both. I look at the differences in cost, time commitment and efficacy. Personally, I have had a bit of experience with this subject – I had braces as a young teen, and I had a permanent retainer. In this blog, I discuss what I have learned, and I present all kinds of new information on the topic. Whether you are trying to make decisions for yourself or your child. I hope you find this information useful.