Same-Day Dental Implants (Immediate Placement)

What Is a Same-Day (Immediate) Dental Implant?

A same-day implant is placed in the same session as the extraction of the tooth it replaces. The traditional approach requires months of healing after extraction before placing the implant; immediate placement eliminates this waiting period and preserves bone volume around the extraction site.

Who Is a Candidate?

Immediate placement is selective—not every patient qualifies. Suitable candidates typically meet these criteria:

• Sufficient bone volume around the extraction site

• No active infection at or around the failing tooth

• Intact socket walls after extraction

• Good general health and adequate healing capacity

For detailed criteria on overall implant candidacy, see our step-by-step implant guide.

How the Procedure Is Performed

1. CBCT scan and digital planning evaluate bone structure and confirm immediate placement is appropriate

2. Local anesthesia is administered

3. Atraumatic extraction: the tooth is removed carefully to preserve the surrounding bone walls

4. Implant placement: an appropriately sized implant is placed into the fresh socket

5. Bone graft is added if gaps exist between the implant and socket walls

6. Temporary crown: in suitable cases, a same-day temporary crown is placed for aesthetics, especially in the anterior zone

The entire procedure typically takes 45-60 minutes per tooth.

Advantages of Immediate Placement

• Time saved: Total treatment time is significantly shorter than a delayed protocol

• Bone preservation: Immediate placement maintains bone volume that would otherwise resorb after extraction

• Aesthetic preservation: In the anterior zone, soft tissue contour is preserved when extraction and implant occur together

• Single surgical session: No second procedure to expose the implant later

• Less overall discomfort: A combined surgery causes less cumulative trauma than two separate procedures

Same-Day Implant vs. Traditional Protocol

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A CBCT scan determines individual suitability. Detailed planning is described in our 3D imaging guide.

Same-Day Implant vs. Same-Day Teeth

These two terms are often confused. Same-day implant means extraction and implant placement occur in the same session. Same-day teeth means a temporary crown is also delivered on the day of surgery, restoring aesthetics immediately. The two procedures can be combined when primary stability allows it; otherwise, the temporary crown is added later.

Anterior vs. Posterior Considerations

Anterior (Front) Teeth

Bone quality in the anterior region is generally favorable for immediate placement. Aesthetic preservation is the strongest argument here—the socket and gum architecture are protected from collapse, which is otherwise difficult to recover.

Posterior (Molar) Teeth

Molars have larger sockets and multiple roots, which complicates immediate placement. Suitable cases often require a wider-diameter implant and additional bone grafting around the implant. Posterior immediate placement is performed less frequently and only when bone walls are intact.

Recovery After Immediate Placement

Recovery is similar to a standard implant procedure: mild swelling and discomfort for 3-5 days, soft diet for the first week, normal oral hygiene around the rest of the dentition. The surgical site requires the same osseointegration period (3-4 months) before a permanent crown is placed. Full recovery details are covered in our recovery timeline guide.

For patients with insufficient bone where immediate placement is not viable, alternative options are discussed in our bone loss treatment guide.

For International Patients

Immediate placement is particularly attractive for patients traveling for treatment because it consolidates extraction and surgery into a single visit. A typical schedule for an international patient with a failing tooth:

• Day 1: CBCT scan, examination, and confirmation of immediate placement

• Day 2: Atraumatic extraction and immediate implant placement (with same-day temporary crown if anterior)

• Day 5-7: Follow-up review and travel clearance

The final crown is delivered 3-6 months later, often during a brief return visit. If your CBCT data is available in advance, digital case planning can confirm immediate-placement candidacy before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is same-day implant the same as same-day teeth?

Not exactly. Same-day implant refers to placing the implant on the day of extraction. Same-day teeth means a temporary crown is also placed on that day. The two are sometimes combined.

Are same-day implants more successful in the front teeth?

Yes, generally. Anterior bone quality and the importance of soft tissue preservation make the anterior zone particularly suitable for immediate placement.

Can a same-day implant be placed if my tooth is infected?

Usually not. Active infection should be treated first, and bone healing is allowed before implant placement. Attempting immediate placement in an infected site significantly increases failure risk.

Is a same-day implant more painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so no pain is felt during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is similar to a standard implant—often less, since only one surgery is performed instead of two.

How long does a same-day implant procedure take?

Approximately 45-60 minutes per tooth, including extraction and implant placement. Anterior cases with a same-day temporary crown may take an additional 30-45 minutes for the provisional restoration. To discuss your candidacy, schedule an appointment.