So, that is not an easy question to answer. It really depends on many factors.
One thing I cannot stress more importantly is that immediate implants are most definitely not for everyone. Case selection is very important. Immediate implants can only be done in certain situations and are not meant for all
I can describe to you certain situations whereby immediate implants will not be suitable. For example,
- If there is a massive loss of bone and gum
- If there is a big infection in the surgery site
- If the patient's bite is not stable
- If the patient's oral hygiene is not good
So, a lot of things could go wrong if you do an immediate implant and all these factors are not considered.
And if you put an immediate implant when the patients have all these contraindications or non-ideal factors, it could mean you could lose the implant.
A much safer way would be the delayed way, to extract the tooth, let the whole area heal and 3- 6 months later reevaluate the site and go in for an implant in the secondary procedure, that's the conventional safe way.
But of course with modern technology and proper indication and experience of the surgeon, immediate implants can be done sometimes but not all of the time. It's indication-specific, a case by case scenario.
