Immediate load dental implants: everything you need to know from clinical experience
In our daily practice, more and more patients come to our office asking about immediate load dental implants in Valencia. The reason is simple: this treatment allows you to recover your smile in a matter of hours, avoiding months of waiting and uncomfortable provisional prostheses.
As a specialist in implantology, I want to explain clearly what exactly this technique consists of, what advantages it offers, when it is indicated and why precise planning is so important. Throughout the article I will also share how we work in the clinic and answer the most frequent questions that patients usually have before deciding.
What are immediate load implants?
We speak of immediate loading when, in the same intervention (or within a maximum period of 48 hours), we place a fixed provisional prosthesis on the dental implants just placed. In other words: the patient enters without teeth and leaves with a fixed, esthetic and functional smile from day one.
Unlike traditional implants -where we must wait between 3 and 6 months to place the definitive prosthesis-, in immediate loading the objective is to reduce the time without compromising the long-term success.
However, not all cases can be solved with this technique. It requires correct patient selection, a precise surgical protocol and proven clinical experience.
Advantages of immediate loading
In patients who meet the appropriate criteria, the benefits of this technique are very clear:
Immediate esthetic result: the patient does not go through a period without teeth and does not need to wear a removable prosthesis.
Less emotional impact: especially in visible cases (incisors or wide smiles), the improvement in self-esteem is almost immediate.
Fewer surgeries: if properly planned, the implant and provisional prosthesis can be placed in a single session.
More comfortable recovery: wearing a fixed prosthesis from the beginning improves speech, nutrition and quality of life.
In our clinic we have seen how this type of treatment significantly improves the patient's experience, especially when there is a good bone base and primary stability of the implant.
What conditions must a patient meet?
Not all cases allow immediate loading. The most determining factors are:
Good bone volume and density in the area to be treated.
Absence of active infection or untreated periodontal pathology.
Possibility of achieving adequate primary stability (generally > 35 Ncm).
Controlled occlusion: that the temporary prosthesis does not receive direct load during mastication.
In addition, it is important that the patient is cooperative and strictly follows the postoperative indications. The key is that the provisional prosthesis does not interfere with the osseointegration process.
How the process works step by step
1. Digital study and planning
It all starts with a detailed clinical examination, X-rays and a 3D scan (CT). This allows us to evaluate the bone volume, plan the implant placement and design the provisional prosthesis with millimeter accuracy.
2. Implant placement
We perform the surgery under local anesthesia and, if necessary, conscious sedation. The procedure is minimally invasive and, in most cases, is completed in less than an hour.
3. Placement of the provisional prosthesis
Between 12 and 48 hours later, a custom-designed provisional prosthesis is attached. It is not the definitive one, but it fulfills esthetic and functional functions without compromising the success of the implant.
4. Bone integration phase
During 3-4 months, the implant integrates with the bone. During this time, the patient should follow a soft diet and avoid overloading the treated area.
5. Definitive prosthesis
Once we confirm the correct osseointegration, we replace the provisional with a definitive crown or bridge, made of highly esthetic materials such as zirconium or lithium disilicate.
What are the differences with respect to traditional implants?
Waiting time: with the traditional technique, the patient can be without a fixed prosthesis for 3 to 6 months.
Immediate prosthesis: in immediate loading, esthetics and functionality are recovered from the beginning.
Number of visits: immediate loading reduces the number of appointments, provided that everything goes well.
Medical requirements: deferred implants can be adapted to more complex situations, such as patients with little bone or a history of active periodontitis.
Is it a safe treatment?
Yes, provided it is performed by qualified professionals, with adequate planning and advanced diagnostic technology.
In our experience, the success rate is comparable to that of deferred implants, provided that clinical criteria are respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the procedure hurt?
No. It is performed under local anesthesia and is usually less invasive than the patient imagines. The postoperative period is mild and easily controlled with analgesics.
How much does an immediate load implant cost?
It depends on the number of implants and the complexity of the case. In full-arch treatments, special financing conditions are available.
Is the temporary prosthesis esthetic?
Yes, although it is not the definitive one, it is designed to integrate with the rest of the teeth in a natural way. The materials are biocompatible, resistant and aesthetically very successful.
How long does an immediate load implant last?
With good maintenance and hygiene, a well-placed implant can last for decades. Immediate loading does not compromise durability if proper protocols are followed.
