Immediate implantation and short implants

Medically reviewed by DR. MED. DR. MED. DENT. HANS KREHN

Implantology as surgical–prosthetic overall planning

An implant is not planned in isolation. Bone, mucosa, neighbours, bite, cleanability, and the later crown or bridge jointly determine position and approach. As specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as physician and dentist, Hans Krehn can also assess complex bone and soft-tissue situations across disciplines. That implies no guarantee that implantation is possible in every situation; medical suitability and a justifiable benefit–risk ratio remain decisive.

What does immediate implantation mean?

An implant is placed into the socket immediately after tooth removal. It differs from immediate loading and from immediate provisional or definitive restoration. These steps can be combined but each has its own prerequisites.

When is immediate implantation suitable?

Assessed are among others reason for removal, acute infection, socket integrity, soft tissue, bone supply, achievable primary stability, aesthetic zone, and planned prosthetics. If risk is unfavourable, delayed implantation may be biologically safer or more predictable.

What are short implants?

Depending on scientific definition, implants with reduced length. In selected situations they can use existing bone without mandatory extensive vertical grafting. Length alone does not decide success; diameter, surface, position, bone quality, and prosthetic load belong to overall assessment.

Short implant or bone graft?

Both strategies have different options and limits. A short implant can reduce surgical extent, treatment time, and morbidity. Grafting may still be needed if position, stability, aesthetics, or cleanability are otherwise insufficient. Decision follows three-dimensional diagnostics and the prosthetic goal.

The KIS principle

For MEDIKUSS, KIS means: safely to the goal with as little effort as possible and as much treatment as needed. Immediate implantation and short implants are therefore not blanket promises, but tools used only when they are medically and prosthetically sensible versus more extensive alternatives.

Risks and alternatives

Possible risks include failed osseointegration, infection, bone or soft-tissue loss, injury to neighbours, aesthetic limits, and technical or prosthetic complications. Alternatives can include tooth preservation, bridge, removable denture, delayed implantation, standard implant with augmentation, or forgoing implantation.

Frequently asked questions

Can every extraction be followed by immediate implantation?

No. Socket, inflammation, soft tissue, primary stability, and the later restorative concept must be suitable.

Is immediate implantation the same as fixed teeth in one day?

No. Timing of implantation, loading, and definitive restoration are separate decisions.

When are short implants an option?

Short implants can, in selected situations, help use existing bone and avoid more extensive bone augmentation.

Are short implants less safe?

Suitability does not depend on length alone. Region, bone, implant geometry, load, and prosthetics determine individual risk. Systematic reviews exist for selected indications.

Can a short implant always replace bone grafting?

No. It can avoid grafting in certain situations; with unfavourable position, lacking stability, or aesthetic demands, augmentation may still be required.

Who assesses complex bone situations?

At MEDIKUSS assessment is under the leadership of Hans Krehn, specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, physician and dentist.

What are the medical director’s qualifications?

DR. MED. DR. MED. DENT. HANS KREHN is a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as a physician and dentist.

Sources and clinical context

Personal consultation

Individual assessment after examination — by phone or appointment request.

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