One-Stage Surgery

A one-stage surgery is a surgical protocol consisting of placing an endosseous root-form dental implant in bone and leaving it in contact with the oral environment during the healing process. This approach eliminates the need for a second surgical procedure. A one-stage surgery is generally used in a situation where the patient has good bone quality and depth and where the cosmetic appearance is not an immediate concern. The one-stage surgery is usually utilized in conjunction with the one-stage implant in which a healing abutment is placed and left exposed at the time of the surgery. In contrast, the two-stage surgical approach is best used for patients who have insufficient or poor-quality bone. In this type of procedure, the implant is placed, and the gum tissue closed over the top to allow for healing. Following proper healing, the gum tissue is opened again, and the abutment and prosthesis placed.