I am often asked by patients whether it is possible to have a damaged tooth removed and a dental implant fitted on the same day. The short answer is yes, in many cases it is, but it is not the right approach for everyone. Below, I have set out what same day extraction and implant treatment involves, who tends to be suitable, and what to consider beforehand.
What does “same day” actually mean?
When people hear “same day implant,” they sometimes imagine walking out with a brand new tooth that afternoon. In most cases, what actually happens is this: the damaged or failing tooth is removed, and the implant post, a small titanium screw that acts as an artificial tooth root, is placed into the socket during that same appointment. This is known as immediate implant placement.
A temporary crown can sometimes be fitted on the same day too, a process called immediate loading, though this depends on the strength of the bone and how securely the implant sits. Often, a temporary denture or bridge is worn while the implant heals, and the permanent crown is fitted a few months later once the implant has fused with the jawbone.
Am I a suitable candidate?
Not every patient is a good candidate for immediate placement, and this is something we assess carefully on a case-by-case basis. Generally, we look for the following:
- Healthy, sufficient bone around the socket, with the walls of the socket intact.
- No active infection or significant gum disease at the site of the tooth being removed.
- Good general health, as conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing.
- A non-smoking or light-smoking status, since smoking increases the risk of implant failure.
- Realistic expectations about timelines and the possibility that a staged approach may be recommended instead.
If any of these factors are not quite right, it does not mean an implant is out of the question. It simply means we may recommend allowing the socket to heal first, or carrying out a bone graft, before placing the implant.
The benefits of same day treatment
For patients who are suitable, combining extraction and implant placement into one visit has some real advantages.
- Fewer procedures. You avoid a separate surgical appointment purely for tooth removal.
- Reduced overall treatment time, as the healing and integration process can begin straight away.
- Better preservation of the jawbone, since placing the implant promptly can help reduce the bone shrinkage that often follows a tooth extraction.
- Less disruption to your daily life, with fewer visits to fit around work and family commitments.
What are the risks and considerations?
I believe it is just as important to be honest about the limitations as it is to explain the benefits. Same day implant placement is more technically demanding than placing an implant into a fully healed socket, and there are a few points worth bearing in mind.
- Primary stability, meaning how firmly the implant is held in place at the outset, can be harder to achieve immediately after extraction.
- There is a slightly higher chance that additional treatment, such as bone grafting, may still be needed.
- Soft tissue healing around the implant can sometimes be less predictable than with a delayed approach.
- Success depends heavily on careful case selection and the skill of the clinician carrying out the procedure.
When these factors are properly assessed beforehand, immediate implants can achieve success rates broadly comparable to those placed in the traditional, staged way.
What happens during the appointment?
After a thorough assessment, including a scan to check bone volume, the tooth is removed as gently as possible to preserve the surrounding bone and gum tissue. The implant is then placed into the socket and, where conditions allow, stabilised so that healing can begin immediately. You will be given clear aftercare guidance, and it is normal to experience some mild swelling or tenderness for a few days afterwards.
My advice
My advice to patients considering this option is to have a proper assessment before assuming either way whether same day treatment will suit you. A scan and consultation allow us to look closely at your bone, gum health, and the tooth involved, so that we can recommend the approach most likely to give you a stable, long-lasting result, whether that is immediate placement or a slightly staged plan.
Book a free consultation
If you are considering a same day tooth extraction and implant, or simply want to understand your options, arrange a consultation by calling the friendly reception here at Gallions Reach Dental Clinic. We will assess your suitability together and talk you through the best path forward for your smile. Book your consultation using our confidential online form.
