What’s the Difference Between Immediate Load and Delayed Load Implants?

If you’ve been considering dental implants, one of the most common concerns is whether you’ll be left without teeth while your implants heal. Thankfully, modern implant dentistry offers a solution for this: Immediate Load and Delayed Load Implants.

At Pitt Street Dental Centre in Sydney CBD, we help patients choose the best approach for their needs. Let’s break down the differences between these two implant techniques so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Delayed Load Implants?

Traditionally, implants have followed a delayed load process. This method involves multiple healing stages before the final tooth is placed:

• First, the tooth is removed, and we allow the bone and gum to heal for several months.
• Once healed, we place the implant (the titanium screw that replaces the tooth root).
• Over the next three to six months, the bone grows around the implant, securing it in place.
• Finally, once the implant is stable, we attach the permanent crown.

This process typically takes six to nine months from tooth extraction to final restoration. While it’s a well-established method with predictable outcomes, it does mean spending several months without a permanent tooth.

What Are Immediate Load Implants?

With advancements in implant technology and techniques, we now have a faster solution: Immediate Load Implants. This means that instead of waiting months, we can place a temporary crown on the same day as the implant surgery.
Here’s how it works:

• Tooth removal and implant placement happen in the same appointment.
• We rebuild the bone around the implant to ensure a solid foundation.
• A temporary crown is attached immediately, allowing you to leave with a tooth in place.
• After three to four months, once healing is complete, the permanent crown is placed.

This immediate solution is particularly beneficial for front teeth, where aesthetics play a huge role in everyday life.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The best approach depends on your individual case. While Immediate Load Implants provide a faster and more convenient solution, Delayed Load Implants may still be the better choice in certain situations, such as:

• If bone density is too low, requiring additional grafting before implant placement.
• If bite forces are too high, meaning the implant needs extra healing time before being put under pressure.
• If you have underlying health conditions that may slow healing.

At Pitt Street Dental Centre, about 90% of the implants we place are Immediate Load Implants. Thanks to modern techniques and precision planning, most of our patients can walk out of their appointment with a functional, natural-looking temporary tooth already in place.

Take the Next Step Toward a Confident Smile

If you’ve been considering dental implants but have been worried about the waiting period, I hope this article reassures you that you don’t have to go without teeth during treatment.

To find out whether Immediate Load or Delayed Load Implants are the best fit for you, call us or complete our booking form here to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you restore your smile with confidence!

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. Pitt Street Dental Centre does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the content.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional personal diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site.

Services We Mentioned:

Related Articles