What “same day” really means
A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jaw to act as an artificial root. The jawbone gradually grows onto the implant in a process called osseointegration, which usually takes around three months before a final crown is fitted.
With immediate loading, the implant and a temporary tooth are placed in one visit instead of waiting months to attach the tooth. You leave with something that looks complete, but the bone underneath is still healing. The timetable is shorter, but the biology is not.
How reliable are same day dental implants?
- Research shows that immediate loading can reach survival rates in the mid to high ninety per cent range when planning and execution are carefully controlled.
- Other studies report a modest increase in failure risk compared with conventional loading, particularly when patient selection or technique is less strict.
- In practical terms, success is common, but there is less room for error. Good bone volume, a stable bite and healthy gums are essential.
- Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease and heavy grinding all push the odds in the wrong direction.
Not everyone is a candidate
Marketing sometimes implies that anyone missing a tooth can choose immediate loading. In reality, your dentist may advise a slower, staged approach if there is infection around the failing tooth, limited or soft bone, untreated gum disease or complex medical conditions.
Rushing to load an implant in those situations can increase the risk of loosening, pain or early loss of the fixture.
Temporary teeth, strict rules
- One common surprise is that the tooth fitted on day one is usually temporary. It is shaped and adjusted to keep chewing forces light while the implant integrates.
- Many patients are asked to favour softer foods and avoid biting with that tooth for several weeks.
- Full-arch “teeth in a day” work in a similar way. The bridge fitted at first is often provisional, with a stronger, more refined bridge made months later once bone, gums and bite have stabilised.
Long-term care is essential
- Like all teeth implants, same-day implants need lifelong maintenance.
- Brushing, interdental cleaning and regular professional reviews help reduce the risk of peri-implant disease, a form of gum disease around implants.
Full-arch bridges in particular require careful cleaning around and underneath the prosthesis, often with special brushes or water flossers guided by your dental team.
Key questions to ask your dentist about same day implants
Before you agree to same-day treatment, it is worth asking:
- Why am I suitable for immediate loading in your view?
- What are the pros and cons compared with a slower approach?
- Will the teeth fitted on the day be temporary or final?
- What eating restrictions will I have, and for how long?
Also Read: Cost-Saving Nutrition Tips That Actually Help Your Jaw Heal Post-Implant
Same-day implants can be an excellent option when the conditions are right and the planning is thorough. They are not a shortcut around biology or ongoing care. Taking time to understand the fine print, ask questions and, if needed, seek a second opinion will help you decide whether this faster timetable genuinely suits your mouth, health and budget.
Want clearer guidance on dental costs and treatment choices? Explore more expert-written breakdowns at https://dentistscost.com.au/ to make confident, informed decisions.
FAQs about same day implants
1. Can dental implants really be done in one day?
Yes. In suitable cases, the implant and a temporary tooth are placed in a single visit. Healing still takes months, so that first tooth is provisional and kept out of heavy biting.
2. Are same-day implants safe?
They are considered safe when an experienced dentist treats carefully selected patients. Studies report high success rates, though some research suggests a slightly higher failure risk than delayed loading, which is why proper assessment matters.
3. Who is not suited to same-day implants?
People with uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, active gum disease, severe grinding or limited jawbone often do better with a staged plan. Your dentist may recommend grafting or temporary dentures first.
4. How long do same-day implants last?
With sound planning, good surgery and consistent home care, immediate loading implants can last many years. Their lifespan depends on cleaning, regular reviews and a well balanced bite.
5. Are same-day implants more expensive in Australia?
Often yes. Extra planning, temporary teeth and laboratory work can increase the fee. As implant care is mostly private and only partly covered by insurance, ask for a written quote and check your limits.