A patient who came in with a fractured molar and advanced decay

[The fractured, heavily decayed tooth]

This patient came in with a fractured molar and advanced decay, and it appeared to have been left in that state for quite some time. The tooth could not be saved, so we planned immediate placement and proceeded to surgery. To limit shrinkage of the bone as far as possible and to help the damaged bone regenerate smoothly, bone regeneration was carried out alongside the implant placement.

[Immediate implant placement: before vs after]

Comparing the before and after images, you can see the fractured tooth handsomely replaced by an implant. With immediate placement the implant goes into bone much of which is still empty, so the drill is more likely to slip while preparing the site — which makes the surgeon's skill and experience matter more than usual.

[Before vs after the completed implant]

One of the most important considerations is controlling the depth of placement: you have to anticipate how the gum will heal after extraction and set the implant at the right depth. Only then does the junction with the restoration above form naturally and end up surrounded by gum tissue of sufficient thickness — which is what makes an implant last.