Immediate loading
What is immediate loading?
Dental implants require a 3‑month healing period (the osseointegration time) before the prosthesis can be placed and become functional.
During this period, the patient needs a temporary solution to maintain a normal social life.
There are temporary solutions, but they are not always comfortable. Bonded bridges can detach and removable dentures cause speech difficulties and are very uncomfortable.
In certain cases, the immediate placement of a fixed provisional prosthesis may be carried out on the same day the implant is placed: that is called immediate loading.
This procedure enables tooth extraction, implant insertion, and placement of a fixed prosthesis in a single session.
This protocol is scientifically validated.
If your case allows it, this technique is the most comfortable and does not carry a higher risk of implant failure.
When can immediate loading be done?
This intervention can be performed mainly in two cases:
- Replacement of doomed teeth in the esthetic zone (visible when smiling: incisors, canines, premolars). The damaged tooth is removed, a dental implant is placed, and a provisional screwed crown is inserted at the end of the intervention or during the same day. This procedure is comfortable and esthetic.
Clinical case of immediate esthetic loading — 1 tooth in 1 day
- Replacing all the teeth in one dental arch. All damaged teeth are removed from the arch, about six dental implants are inserted, and a temporary bridge is screwed at the end of the intervention or later in the day. This procedure is comfortable and esthetic.
Clinical case of full-arch immediate loading — in one day
Advantages of immediate loading
When using removable temporary devices, patients are highly restricted in their social life and chewing.
The immediate loading protocol preserves the patient’s comfort and esthetics during the healing phase.