Can Dental Implants Be Done in One Day?

What Are Same-Day Dental Implants?

Same-day dental implants, also referred to as immediate implants or one-day implants, are a type of dental implant procedure where the implant and a temporary restoration are placed during the same appointment. This approach differs from the conventional multi-stage process, which typically involves a healing period of several months between the placement of the implant and the final crown.

In a same-day procedure, the implant replaces a recently extracted tooth or is inserted directly into an area of the jaw that has already healed. If the adjacent bone and gum structures are stable and healthy enough, a temporary crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant almost immediately after surgery. This temporary restoration is shaped to avoid putting excessive pressure on the healing implant while still allowing the patient to speak and smile normally.

These procedures depend on careful planning and a patient’s unique oral anatomy. The main advantage is reduced treatment time and the ability to leave the dental office with a functional, aesthetically pleasing solution on the same day. However, the load placed on these implants is controlled during healing to prevent movement or failure. Long-term success requires ongoing monitoring and eventual placement of a permanent restoration after the implant has fully integrated with the bone.

How Same-Day Dental Implants Work

Same-day dental implants follow a streamlined process that combines assessment, surgical placement, and temporary restoration within a single day, but still requires comprehensive planning. The goal is to provide patients with functional teeth immediately after implant placement, while setting the stage for long-term integration and success.

Consultation and Examination

Before anything else, the dentist conducts a full diagnostic evaluation. This includes X-rays, 3D CT scans, and a clinical review to measure jawbone volume, gum health, and bite alignment. The scans help determine whether the patient has enough bone to support immediate placement, and whether any infection or instability would make the procedure unsuitable. Patients with chronic gum disease, poor bone quality, or systemic health concerns may need alternative treatment plans.

Surgery

On the day of surgery, any failing teeth are extracted first, and then dental implants—typically small titanium posts—are inserted into the jawbone. In most cases, the surgeon uses a flapless technique to minimize disturbance to the gums. When adequate primary stability is achieved (meaning the implants are firmly seated in the bone), the dentist will attach a temporary tooth or bridge. These temporary restorations are not for full chewing force and are designed to protect the implant site during its integration phase.

Healing and Follow-Up

Although patients leave the office with teeth in place, the real work begins during the months that follow. Osseointegration, the process where bone fuses with the implant surface, occurs gradually over 3 to 6 months. During this period, a soft-food diet is typically required to reduce stress on the implants. Periodic checkups allow the dentist to assess healing progress and identify any issues early. When integration is verified and the surrounding tissue is stable, the permanent crown or bridge is fabricated and attached to the implant abutment. At this point, the function and appearance are finalized.

Eligibility Requirements for Immediate Implants

Same-day dental implants work best under specific conditions. The procedure isn’t universally appropriate, and eligibility is determined through clinical evaluation.

First, patients need sufficient jawbone density and volume. The implant must anchor securely into the bone on the day of surgery. If the bone is thin, deteriorated, or missing, a bone graft may be required—making same-day placement unfeasible.

Second, there must be no active gum disease. Peri-implant infections can lead to early implant failure. Any periodontal issues must be resolved prior to placement.

Smoking is another significant factor. Nicotine restricts blood flow, slows healing, and increases the risk of complications. Candidates are typically non-smokers or willing to stop smoking for the duration of the healing process.

Additionally, patients who grind their teeth—known clinically as bruxism—often face problems with implant stability. Uncontrolled grinding places excessive force on new implants. If bruxism is present, it must be treated or managed with a night guard or behavioral strategies.

Finally, general health matters. Conditions like diabetes need to be well-managed. Uncontrolled systemic health issues that impair healing, immunity, or circulation can compromise implant success.

In short, eligibility hinges on oral health, bone structure, lifestyle habits, and systemic medical conditions. A comprehensive dental assessment is needed to determine if a patient meets all necessary criteria for immediate implants.

Advantages of Same-Day Implants

Same-day dental implants offer several practical benefits when compared to traditional implant procedures. The most obvious is the reduced total treatment time. In a conventional implant process, patients often wait months between tooth extraction, implant placement, and final restoration. With teeth-in-a-day, these steps are combined, allowing patients to leave the office with functional teeth after a single surgical visit.

Another key advantage is the avoidance of prolonged gaps in the smile. Traditional implant methods require a healing phase where no prosthetic is present—or where temporary, removable solutions are used. In a same-day approach, a non-removable temporary crown or bridge is placed immediately, closing the gap and helping maintain facial aesthetics and function during healing.

Patients also benefit from immediate improvements in biting and speaking. While the initial prosthetic is temporary and not designed for hard or sticky foods, basic chewing and articulation typically improve almost immediately once the appliance is in place.

For eligible candidates, same-day implants carry high success rates, especially when placed by experienced clinicians and accompanied by strong post-operative care. These procedures are supported by research when case selection is conservative and bone conditions are favorable.

In sum, patients who meet the right health and anatomical criteria may gain both functional and emotional advantages from a same-day dental implant approach—with less waiting and more immediate results.

Potential Drawbacks and Limitations of Teeth-in-a-Day

While same-day implants offer immediate results, they are not the right fit for every patient or situation. Proper case selection is critical; many people simply won’t qualify based on their bone density, oral health, or medical history. If the bone volume is insufficient or if active infections are present, attempting immediate implantation may increase the risk of implant failure.

Even for eligible patients, teeth-in-a-day come with specific challenges. Stability is key—implants need primary fixation within the jawbone on the first day. If that stability isn’t achieved, the use of an immediate prosthetic can introduce micromovements and reduce the likelihood of long-term success.

Another consideration is the strict commitment required post-surgery. Patients must adhere to a disciplined oral hygiene regimen to prevent peri-implantitis and other infections during the early stages of healing. That includes follow-up checkups, avoiding certain foods, and possibly using prescribed mouth rinses or antibiotics.

The temporary prosthetic provided on the day of surgery is not final. Adjustments to fit and appearance may be necessary as the tissue heals and the implants integrate. For some patients, this phase may lead to discomfort or minor cosmetic dissatisfaction until the permanent restoration is placed.

Finally, there’s the issue of cost. While the timeline is condensed, same-day implants often come with a higher upfront expense than traditional treatment routes. Insurance may partially cover the procedure, but out-of-pocket costs can still be significant. This financial factor plays a role in determining whether the approach is viable for many patients.

Common Questions About Same-Day Implants

Can you eat normally after same-day dental implant surgery?

Not immediately. A soft food diet is necessary for at least one to two weeks following surgery to protect the implants while the bone begins the healing process. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy items that could stress or dislodge the implant.

How long does it take for dental implants to fully heal?

Healing typically takes 3 to 6 months. During this period, the implant integrates with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once this is complete, a permanent crown or bridge can be placed.

Do immediate implants feel natural?

After healing, yes. Immediate implants are designed to function like natural teeth. In the early stages, you may notice minor differences in bite or pressure sensitivity, but these generally resolve as the implant stabilizes.

Are same-day dental implants as successful as traditional implants?

In properly selected patients, success rates are similar. The key factors are patient health, bone quality, and the experience of the dental provider. When these align, long-term function and stability are on par with traditional multi-visit implants.

Will insurance cover immediate dental implants?

Coverage varies by provider and policy. Some dental insurance plans classify implants as cosmetic and may not cover the procedure. Others offer partial benefits. It’s best to review your policy closely and ask your dentist’s office to assist with benefit verification and financial planning.

Alternatives to Same-Day Implants

Same-day implants are not suitable for everyone. When they are not an option—due to insufficient bone density, uncontrolled health conditions, or other risk factors—there are established alternatives that may provide effective outcomes with fewer complications.

Traditional dental implants remain the most common and predictable solution. The process is staged, allowing a longer healing period between tooth extraction, implant placement, and crown attachment. This delay can lower the risk of implant failure, particularly in patients with complex dental or medical conditions.

Dental bridges offer another restorative choice. These rely on adjacent teeth for support and can usually be placed more quickly than implants. However, the process may require altering healthy teeth to support the bridge, which is a trade-off to consider.

Removable partial or full dentures are a non-surgical alternative. While they may not provide the same level of stability or comfort as implants, modern materials and designs offer improved appearance and fit. Dentures can also serve as temporary solutions while preparing for more permanent procedures.

Each alternative comes with unique benefits, limitations, and maintenance demands. A comprehensive dental examination is necessary to evaluate structural and medical factors, then select the option with the best balance of longevity, cost, and function for your situation.