- Same-day dental implants are possible. But the name refers to the placement and not the entire process, which can take longer.
- Same-day dental implants have quicker treatment and look more natural.
- Their disadvantages include a higher failure rate, increased risks during the healing phase, and the need for experienced dentists and well-equipped offices.
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Are you considering one day dental implants? Here's everything you need to know.
How do they do dental implants in one day?
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First off, it’s never literally just one day. The name “same-day dental implants” refers to the actual placement procedure: you will walk out with a new set of teeth. Some of the stages below might be done in 24 hours, but this all depends on the situation in your mouth.
Consultation
When looking for an immediate dental implants specialist, make sure they are experts in that field. This is for your own safety and efficiency of the procedure.
A preliminary consultation is no obligation so there is no risk in discussing treatment. During this visit, you will tell your dentist about your medical history, whether you have any diseases, and your general oral health will be inspected.
You will likely have X-rays and an accurate image of your mouth will be captured. This is used to create a model that shows not only your teeth but also blood vessels, muscles, and nerves in the area.
Your dentist will devise a treatment plan. “Same-day implants” means it will only take a day for you, but for the dental team it includes detailed planning. They will make a projection of your results. This could take a couple of weeks.
Extractions
If any extractions are necessary, they will have to be done before the surgery. This can happen up to 6 weeks earlier, so your mouth has time to heal.
There is not much risk in getting a tooth extraction and implant on the same day. This decision is made by the doctor, though, based on the amount of bone you have and your health.
Surgical and cosmetic procedures
As opposed to the traditional dental implant process that is divided into separate stages, same-day implants are mounted with the artificial teeth in one visit.
The placement procedure itself will take a couple of hours. You will probably be sedated, but a lighter form of anesthesia might be used if you are only getting one or two teeth replaced. This is dependent on what your pain tolerance and anxiety levels are. Your dentist will advise what is best.
When replacing a full arch, specialists usually support the bridge or overdenture on 4 to 6 implants. The most common method is the All-On-4, which includes placing force at an obtuse angle. That way you can skip bone grafting, or, thickening of the bone.
After your implant is placed it’s time for a crown, bridge, or denture. Sometimes these are temporary, making the process only theoretically done “in one day”. If this is the case you will have to return in a couple of weeks for the permanent cap or set of false teeth.
Healing and final checkup
Even with same-day implants, you can’t disregard the healing. This process is called osseointegration, and it’s when the bone fuses to the biocompatible rod.
With traditional implants, this happens before new teeth are fitted. When you get them placed in one day, osseointegration happens after you leave the office. It takes 3 to 6 months. You will have to eat soft foods while this happens, especially during the first 6 to 8 weeks.
After this time you will have another checkup so your dentist can make sure everything is as it should be. This visit is often free of additional charges.
Who can get new teeth in one day?
Not everyone can get a dental implant in a day. A suitable candidate must have good overall health and be a non-smoker. Alternatively, they must be willing to quit about 2 months prior to the procedure.
The most contraindications to same day implants include:
autoimmune conditions,
chronic disease,
poor oral or general health,
unsatisfactory hygiene,
bruxism, and
bone that is too thin or soft.
Some of these issues can be dealt with. The way to go is proper oral hygiene, a simple SRP procedure, or a bone graft. It is worth consulting with your dentist if you are set on getting new teeth in a day.
One-day dental implants are commonly used to replace a full arch. For singular teeth, immediate dental implants are a popular choice for replacing front dentition.
Pros and cons of same-day dental implants
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Any invasive medical procedure comes with its risks. Same-day implants rely heavily on the expertise of the specialist doing the job. That’s why it’s vital to make sure the dentist and the clinic have all the necessary credentials and lots of before and after pictures.
Dangers of one-day dental implants are most prominent during the healing period. Your new smile is already in place while the bone is still fusing with the rod. There is an increased risk of implant movement and infection if you don’t adhere to the specialist’s instructions.
It’s also vital that you don’t smoke or grind your teeth. Such habits make implant failure much more likely. What’s more, you might wear your new teeth down quickly.
Overall, though, same day dental implants reviews tend to be positive.
Quick treatment
Natural appearance since gums grow around the implant freely
New teeth are in place during the healing period
Affordable compared to other implant solutions
Must go with an experienced dentist and well-equipped office
Post-op instructions are restrictive
Bigger failure rate
One-day implants vs. traditional implants
The biggest advantage of same-day implants is the shorter duration of treatment. Additionally, since the new tooth is placed immediately, gums can grow around it, giving your mouth a more natural look. Gums are also less likely to recede, depending on how much bone is removed.
Traditional implants usually need to wait about 3 to 6 months before new teeth can be fitted. This means the patient might have to go without dentition.
Implant movement is much more likely in immediate implants. In terms of failure, traditional ones have a success rate of about 95%, while same-day implants have only 70%.
Teeth in a day costs can be more affordable compared to traditional treatment, especially if you’re getting a full mouth. This is because there is less time spent in the dentist’s chair.
Here is a quick sum-up of one-day dental implants vs. traditional implants:
Same-day implants
Immediate result
More cost-effective
Less time spent at the dentist’s
Success rate of 70%
Traditional implants
Results in a couple of months
Less cost-effective
More dental visits
Success rate of 95%
Which you go for depends on the condition of your mouth and how quickly you want the results.
FAQ
Can you have one-day implants in one visit?
No. The phrase “same day implants” refers to the surgical parts of the procedure. You may have extractions, grafting, and implant placement done all at once. You will still need a consultation a few weeks prior to your surgery and will likely have to return to have temporary crowns replaced with permanent ones.
Are same-day dental implants safe?
One-day implants are safe as long as the professional performing the procedure is skilled and you follow post-op instructions closely. The most important part is the implant fusing to the bone. There must be no shift, or the process of osseointegration could fail.
Any major treatment carries some degree of risk. On the other hand, same-day implants generally can work well if the patient is a good candidate based on oral and systemic health. The success rate is about 70%.
Can you get an implant the same day as extraction?
Sometimes you can get a tooth removed and immediately replaced with an implant. This is highly dependent on the state of your mouth, however. Your dentist will be the one making this decision, you certainly can’t just request it.
Peter March, DDS
When deciding for same-day implants, be aware of the risk. The extra pressure of the crown on the implants can result in failure of the implant's integration with the bone.