May 22, 2025 | 11:17 am

Same Day Dental Implants: Process, Cost & Candidacy

Published July 25, 2025 (Same Day Dental Implants)
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Emily Wong, DDS, MS (American Academy of Implant Dentistry Member)
Prepared by Dentovex Research Group

1. What Are Same Day (Immediate Load) Dental Implants?

Same-day dental implants—also known as immediate load implants—allow placement of a temporary crown on the implant fixture during the same appointment as implant surgery. Unlike traditional protocols that require a healing period of 3–6 months before restoration, immediate load implants provide:

Aesthetic continuity: Patients leave with a functional tooth replacement on day one.
Reduced treatment timeline: Eliminates a separate restoration appointment after osseointegration.
Psychological benefits: Immediate smile restoration improves confidence and quality of life.

Immediate loading relies on achieving primary stability—a secure mechanical engagement of the implant in the bone—typically measured by insertion torque (>35 Ncm) or Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ > 60). This approach is ideal for single-tooth or small-span restorations in non-load-bearing zones, and requires careful case selection and precise surgical technique.

2. Who Is a Good Candidate?

Not every patient qualifies for same-day implants. Ideal candidates exhibit:

2.1 Bone Density & Volume Requirements

Adequate bone height and width: Minimum 10 mm height and 6 mm width to accommodate implant length (usually 10–13 mm) and diameter (3.5–5 mm).
Bone quality: D2–D3 density (Lekholm & Zarb classification) provides sufficient primary stability.
Minimal grafting: Cases requiring extensive augmentation are better served by delayed loading.

2.2 Overall Oral Health & Medical Conditions

Healthy periodontium: No active periodontal disease; controlled gingivitis is acceptable.
Non-smokers or light smokers (<10 cigarettes/day): Smoking impairs healing and osseointegration.
Systemic health: Well-controlled diabetes (HbA1c <7%), no immunosuppression, and good nutritional status.

2.3 Tooth Loss Duration & Site Location

Recent extractions (<3 months): Fresh extraction sockets can receive immediate implants with flapless technique.
Tooth position: Anterior and premolar regions are ideal; posterior molar sites bear higher occlusal forces and may risk micro-movement.
Opposing dentition: Consideration of occlusion to minimize immediate loading stress.

A thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation—including CBCT imaging—is essential to confirm candidacy.

3. Step-by-Step Procedure

3.1 Initial Consultation & 3D Imaging

Digital Smile Design: Virtual planning to visualize final outcome.
CBCT Scan & Intraoral Scan: Provides a 3D view of bone anatomy and soft-tissue profile.
Surgical Guide Fabrication: CAD/CAM-milled guide ensures precise drill path and angulation.

3.2 Bone Preparation & Extraction (if needed)

Atraumatic Extraction: Preservation of alveolar bone and soft tissue using periotomes or piezosurgery.
Site Debridement: Removal of granulation tissue; thorough irrigation with sterile saline.
Osteotomy: Sequential drilling under copious irrigation, following pilot to final diameter to match implant dimensions.

3.3 Implant Placement & Temporary Crown

Insertion Torque Verification: Use surgical motor with torque control; aim for ≥35 Ncm.
ISQ Measurement: Resonance frequency analysis confirms adequate stability.
Temporary Abutment & Crown: Prefabricated or milled provisional placed and adjusted for non-functional loading (no occlusal contacts in centric or excursions).

3.4 Post-Op Care & Healing Timeline

Immediate Post-Op Instructions: Soft diet, chlorhexidine rinse 0.12% twice daily, avoid brushing over site for 24 hours.
Suture Removal: 7–10 days post-op if mucosal flaps were elevated.
Definitive Restoration: After 3–4 months, switch to final abutment and crown following verification of osseointegration.

4. Cost Breakdown: US vs. UK

4.1 Average Fees (Single Tooth)

Component	USA (USD)	UK (GBP)
Consultation & Imaging	$200–$400	£150–£300
Implant Fixture & Abutment	$1,200–$2,500	£1,000–£2,000
Temporary Crown	$200–$400	£150–£300
Final Crown	$800–$1,500	£700–£1,200
Total (Immediate Load)	$2,400–$4,800	£2,000–£3,800

4.2 Additional Grafting or Sinus Lift Costs

Minor Grafting: $300–$800 / £200–£500
Sinus Lift (Lateral Window): $1,000–$3,000 / £800–£2,000

4.3 Insurance & Financing Options

Dental Insurance: Rarely covers implant surgery; may cover crown portion (10–50%).
FSA/HSA: Pre-tax savings can reduce net cost by 20–30%.
Dental Loans & In-Office Plans: 0% APR for 6–12 months; down payment often 10–20%.

5. Pros & Cons of Same Day Dental Implants

Pros	Cons
Immediate tooth replacement—no edentulous period	Higher risk if primary stability is suboptimal
Fewer surgical visits—convenience for patients	Requires strict case selection and surgical skill
Preservation of soft tissue architecture	Temporary crown must avoid occlusal loading
Psychological benefit—instant smile restoration	Slightly higher cost due to provisional phase

6. Patient Case Studies

Patient	Profile	Treatment	Outcome
A.S.	52-year-old, anterior extraction	Immediate implant + provisional	Single visit, healed well
B.L.	38-year-old, posterior molar	Immediate implant (D3 bone)	Minor grafting; 4-month success
C.R.	45-year-old, fresh extraction	Immediate load in aesthetic zone	High satisfaction, no failure

7. Maintenance & Long-Term Success

Oral Hygiene: Soft-bristle brushes, interdental cleaning around abutment margin.
Regular Check-Ups: 3-month recalls to monitor peri-implant tissue health.
Occlusal Adjustments: Ensure implant crown remains non-loading, then gradually introduce functional contacts.
Lifestyle Habits: Avoid smoking and parafunctional habits (bruxism); consider occlusal guard.

Long-term implant survival rates for immediate load protocols exceed 95% in suitable cases.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Is same day dental implants surgery more painful?
Pain levels are comparable to traditional implant protocols. Provisional crowns may cause mild soreness, managed with NSAIDs.

Can I eat normally after receiving a provisional crown?
Stick to a soft diet for 2–4 weeks; avoid chewing on the implant side to protect primary stability.

How soon can I get my permanent crown?
Typically after 3–4 months, once osseointegration is confirmed via radiograph and ISQ measurement.

What if my implant fails to integrate?
The implant is removed, site is allowed to heal for 2–3 months, then re-implanted following standard protocols.

9. Scientific References & Further Reading

Immediate Loading of Single-Tooth Implants: A Systematic Review, International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 2021.
Primary Stability and Immediate Loading, Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2020.
Outcome of Immediate vs. Delayed Loading, Journal of Prosthodontics, 2019.
AAID Evidence-Based Guidelines on Immediate Load Implants, 2022.

10. Conclusion & Next Steps

Same day dental implants offer a groundbreaking solution for immediate tooth restoration, combining convenience with aesthetic and functional benefits. To pursue this option:

Schedule a specialized implant consultation with CBCT imaging.
Verify candidacy based on bone quality, oral health, and anatomical considerations.
Discuss immediate vs. delayed protocols and associated costs.
Plan provisional and definitive phases, ensuring a clear financial and treatment timeline.

With the right candidate and experienced surgeon, same-day implants can deliver a fully restored smile in just one appointment—transforming oral health and confidence overnight.