At Clínica Dental Crooke & Laguna, we successfully apply the immediate load technique, an innovative procedure that allows placing fixed teeth on implants within 24 hours. Many patients ask us: “What is immediate load?” and this article is designed to answer all their questions.
What is Immediate Load in Implantology?
Traditionally, after placing a dental implant, it was necessary to wait between 2 and 4 months (osteointegration phase) before placing the permanent crown. With the immediate load technique, this waiting time is drastically reduced. The implant is placed and, within the next 24 hours, a non-removable temporary fixed prosthesis is attached to it.
In many cases, we even perform extraction, implant placement, and placement of temporary teeth in the same session, especially for aesthetic areas or full rehabilitations.
The patient leaves the clinic with fixed, aesthetically appropriate teeth from the first day, which is a huge advantage over the traditional waiting period. After approximately three months, the permanent prosthesis will be placed, with superior aesthetic and functional quality.
How is Immediate Load Planned?
Thanks to advanced digitalization and the use of intraoral scanners and 3D planning software, the procedure is completely predictable and safe. We can digitally simulate the patient’s mouth before the intervention, allowing the surgeon to work with total precision and adapt each implant to the existing bone, without compromising anatomical structures.
Am I a Candidate for Immediate Load?
- Systemic diseases like uncontrolled diabetes
- Active periodontal disease
- Severe bone loss (although in some cases it can be treated beforehand with bone grafts)
- Smoking
- Low bone quality or quantity
- Poor oral hygiene
To assess feasibility, we use technologies like Periotest or Ostell, which allow us to measure the primary stability of the implant with complete reliability.
What Factors Influence the Success of the Treatment?
The success of immediate load mainly depends on:
- Experience of the implantologist and the number of cases performed
- Primary stability of the implant after surgery
- Quality and quantity of available bone
- Design of the implant and its adaptation to the osteotomy
- Oral health and patient commitment to maintenance
Good daily hygiene and professional follow-up are crucial to ensure proper osteointegration.
Advantages of Immediate Load
The benefits of this technique are numerous and well documented by long-term scientific studies:
- Immediate functionality: the patient regains chewing and speaking ability within 24 hours, with certain dietary restrictions during osteointegration.
- Better aesthetics from day one: by placing a fixed temporary crown, the gum begins to adapt to the shape of the tooth, which improves the final result.
- Comfort and safety: it avoids the use of removable prostheses, reducing discomfort such as sores, instability, or difficulty speaking.
- Fewer surgical interventions: it can avoid the need for a second surgery to uncover the implant.
- High success rate: studies with follow-ups from 5 to 10 years report survival rates of 97% to 100%.
Important Considerations
Although the advantages are evident, immediate load should not be performed as a routine. A personalized and logical approach is essential, considering each patient’s clinical situation. When this technique is not feasible, we look for fixed alternatives that avoid the use of removable prostheses during the integration process.
At Clínica Dental Crooke & Laguna, we are prepared to offer this treatment with the utmost safety thanks to our 3 Step Smiles system, advanced digital technology, and protocols developed with the BQDC group.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immediate Load
How long do the temporary teeth last?
Generally, they are worn for 2 to 4 months, until the implant fully integrates with the bone and the permanent prosthesis is placed.
Can I eat normally from day one?
A soft diet should be followed during the osteointegration phase. Although you can chew, it is recommended to avoid hard or sticky foods.
Is immediate load painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After the intervention, there may be mild discomfort, but it is easily controlled with medication.
Is the provisional aesthetic result good?
Yes. Although it is a temporary solution, the aesthetic appearance is very well cared for. The patient can smile and speak with full confidence from day one.
How long will it take to return to work?
In most cases, the patient can return to their work routine within 24 to 48 hours after the intervention.
Would you like more information about implants and immediate load?