Our Summary

This research paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis that looked at the effectiveness of placing dental implants at different times after tooth extraction: immediately after, a little bit later (early placement), or much later (delayed placement).

The researchers found 12 studies that fit their criteria and analyzed the data. They looked at how many implants failed (the primary outcome) and also changes in the bone and soft tissue around the implant (secondary outcomes).

They found that the risk of implant failure was not significantly different between immediate, early, or delayed placement. However, when they looked at changes in the bone around the implant, they found that early placement resulted in less bone loss compared to implants placed immediately after tooth extraction. There were no significant differences found in the soft tissue around the implant.

In conclusion, the research suggests that placing dental implants a little bit later (early placement) after tooth extraction is just as effective as placing them immediately or much later, and might even be better for preserving the bone around the implant.

FAQs

  1. Does the timing of dental implant placement after tooth extraction affect the risk of implant failure?
  2. Does the timing of the dental implant placement affect the bone loss around the implant?
  3. Does the timing of the dental implant placement have any significant effect on the soft tissue around the implant?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery based on this research is to consider opting for early placement of the implant after tooth extraction. This could potentially result in less bone loss around the implant compared to immediate placement, leading to better long-term outcomes. Patients should discuss the timing of implant placement with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best option for their individual situation.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from dental implant surgery include:

  1. Patients who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth due to trauma, decay, or periodontal disease.
  2. Patients who have missing teeth and are looking for a permanent solution to restore their smile and improve their ability to chew and speak.
  3. Patients who have healthy gums and enough bone density to support the implant.
  4. Patients who are in good general health and do not have any conditions that may affect the healing process, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
  5. Patients who are committed to good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term success of the implants.

It is important for patients to consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for dental implant surgery and to discuss the best timing for implant placement based on their individual needs and circumstances.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery, a patient will typically undergo a thorough examination and consultation with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. This may include taking x-rays or CT scans to assess the health of the surrounding bone and tissues. The patient may also need to undergo any necessary tooth extractions or bone grafting procedures prior to the implant surgery.

After the initial consultation and any necessary preparations, the patient will undergo the dental implant surgery, which involves placing a titanium implant into the jawbone to serve as a replacement for the missing tooth root. The healing process typically takes several months, during which time the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration.

After the implant has fully healed and integrated with the bone, the patient will return to their dentist to have a custom-made crown or prosthetic tooth attached to the implant. This final restoration will be designed to match the shape, size, and color of the patient’s natural teeth, providing a seamless and functional replacement for the missing tooth.

Overall, the timeline for dental implant surgery can vary depending on the individual patient’s needs and the specific circumstances of their case. It is important for patients to follow their dentist’s instructions for post-operative care and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure the success of their dental implant treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about dental implant surgery based on this research include:

  1. What is the recommended timing for placing dental implants after tooth extraction based on the findings of this study?
  2. How does early placement of dental implants compared to immediate placement in terms of bone preservation around the implant?
  3. What are the potential risks and benefits of early placement versus immediate or delayed placement of dental implants?
  4. How will the timing of dental implant placement affect the overall success and longevity of the implants?
  5. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may influence the recommended timing for placing dental implants after tooth extraction in my case?
  6. What are the potential consequences of not following the recommended timing for dental implant placement after tooth extraction?
  7. Can you provide more information or specific examples of cases where early placement of dental implants has been shown to be beneficial for patients?
  8. Are there any additional considerations or precautions that need to be taken into account when opting for early placement of dental implants after tooth extraction?
  9. How will the findings of this study be integrated into my individual treatment plan for dental implant surgery?
  10. Are there any ongoing research or developments in the field of dental implant surgery that may impact the timing of implant placement in the future?

Reference

Authors: Bassir SH, El Kholy K, Chen CY, Lee KH, Intini G. Journal: J Periodontol. 2019 May;90(5):493-506. doi: 10.1002/JPER.18-0338. Epub 2018 Dec 5. PMID: 30395355