What Are Same Day Dental Implants? Costs, Procedure & Risks
- Sadiq Quasim
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Same-day dental implants – also known as immediate-load or “Teeth in a Day” – involve placing a titanium implant and securing a provisional crown or full-arch bridge in one appointment, so you walk out with fixed teeth instead of a gap or removable plate. The treatment condenses months of traditional healing into a single visit, provided your bone quality and bite meet strict clinical criteria.
This guide removes the guesswork. You’ll see exactly how the procedure works step-by-step, who qualifies, what it really costs across the UK, and the benefits and risks your dentist should discuss. By the end, you’ll know whether booking a same-day implant consultation at a reputable clinic such as Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics is the logical next move for your smile and confidence.
How Same Day Dental Implants Differ From Traditional Implants
Traditional implants follow a two-stage routine: place the fixture, wait 3–6 months for bone to fuse (osseointegration), then uncover and add the crown. Same day dental implants flip the script. Because the implant is anchored firmly enough at placement (primary stability), a temporary crown or full-arch bridge can be screwed on straight away, so you leave the surgery with fixed teeth.
Key differences at a glance
Timeline: months vs one visit
Surgeries: two or more vs one
Brands you’ll see: Teeth in a Day, Smile-in-a-Day, All-on-4/6
Trade-offs: stricter case selection, higher immediate load on bone
The payoff is obvious—speed and instant confidence—but it only works when bone quality, bite forces and surgical skill line up.
Terminology You’ll Hear in the Clinic
Term | Plain-English meaning |
|---|---|
Immediate load | Crown/bridge fitted the same day |
Provisional crown | Temporary tooth that protects the implant |
Full-arch bridge | One piece replacing all upper or lower teeth |
Angulated implant | Tilted screw to avoid sinuses/nerve |
Flapless surgery | Keyhole approach with no stitches |
Bone graft | Extra bone added where density is thin |
Why “All-on-4” Gets So Much Attention
All-on-4 uses four strategically tilted implants—usually in the front of the jaw where bone is thickest—to support a full-arch bridge. The tilt avoids nerve and sinus cavities, cuts out grafting for many patients and keeps costs lower than placing 6–8 straight implants. Variations such as All-on-6 add two extra fixtures for heavier bites, while zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone when jawbone is severely resorbed.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Same Day Implant Procedure
Below is the condensed timeline most clinics follow for same day dental implants. The key takeaway is that you receive fixed provisional teeth on day one, but the final, ultra-strong ceramic work is fitted only after the bone has fully fused to the implants.
Consultation and 3D Planning
Your journey starts with a full-mouth assessment that typically lasts 45–60 minutes.
Digital CBCT scans map bone height, width and the exact position of nerves and sinuses.
An intra-oral scanner (e.g. iTero) records your bite so the lab can pre-make a guide and provisional bridge.
Your dentist reviews medical history, smoking status and medications such as bisphosphonates to confirm suitability. Precision planning at this stage slashes surgical time and reduces the need for bone grafting.
Surgical Appointment: Extraction, Implant Placement & Temporary Teeth
On the big day you can choose local anaesthetic, IV sedation or both. Any failing teeth are removed atraumatically, a keyhole (flapless) technique is used to insert the implants, and a printed surgical stent ensures perfect angulation. For a single tooth, chair time is around one hour; a full arch takes three to four. A lab technician or in-house milling unit produces a provisional crown or bridge that is screwed in before you leave.
The First 72 Hours: What to Expect
Expect mild swelling, oozing and a “tight” feeling. Stick to a soft, cool diet, take prescribed antibiotics/analgesics and avoid alcohol, smoking and vigorous rinsing. Most patients go back to desk work within 24–48 hours.
Follow-Up Visits and Final Prosthesis
2 weeks: suture check and hygiene review.
3–4 months: impressions for the definitive zirconia or porcelain bridge/crown once osseointegration is confirmed.
4–6 months: final restoration fitted, bite adjusted and smile photos taken. Routine hygienist appointments every six months and nightly use of a bite guard (if you grind) protect your long-term investment.
Eligibility: Who Can (and Can’t) Have Same Day Dental Implants
Same-day dental implants demand more from your jawbone—and from you—than the conventional two-stage route. Your dentist will only green-light immediate loading if biology, bite forces and lifestyle all play nicely together.
Health and Lifestyle Criteria
Good bone volume and density on CBCT
Healthy gums and meticulous oral hygiene habits
Non-smoker (or proof you’ve quit for at least four weeks)
Controlled medical conditions such as diabetes
Contra-indications: active periodontal disease, uncontrolled bruxism without a guard, bisphosphonate therapy, heavy smoking
Single Tooth, Multiple Teeth or Full-Arch?
Fresh extraction sockets in the aesthetic zone often suit a single immediate implant
3–4 neighbouring missing teeth may share two or three same-day fixtures
Full-arch “All-on-4” relies on denser front-jaw bone; edentulous or soon-to-be-edentulous patients are typical candidates
When Traditional (Two-Stage) Implants Are the Safer Bet
Choose delayed loading if you have thin posterior bone needing grafting, severe bite discrepancies, systemic issues that slow healing, or if you simply can’t commit to a soft diet during the first eight weeks.
Costs of Same Day Dental Implants in the UK
Speed comes at a premium. Because a laboratory team is on standby to fabricate your provisional bridge the same day, same day dental implants usually cost 10–15 % more than the conventional two-stage route. Current 2024–2025 private fees sit in the ranges below:
Treatment scenario | Typical UK fee* |
|---|---|
Single immediate implant + provisional crown | £2,000 – £3,000 |
3–4 teeth on two or three implants | £5,500 – £8,000 |
Full-arch “All-on-4” (one jaw) | £12,000 – £16,000 |
Both jaws (upper & lower) | £24,000 – £30,000 |
*Expect London and South-East clinics to hover at the higher end; regions such as the Midlands or North West may be 10 – 20 % cheaper. Surgeon experience, implant brand, IV sedation and on-site tech all influence the final quote.
Additional Expenses Readers Should Budget For
CBCT scan: £100 – £250
Tooth extraction: £100 – £300 per tooth
Bone-saving membranes or minor grafts: £150 – £400
Upgrade to final zirconia/porcelain bridge: £800 – £1,500 per arch
Maintenance visits & hygienist sessions: £60 – £100 every six months
Finance and NHS Availability
The NHS funds implants only for major reconstructive cases after trauma or cancer, so most patients pay privately. Many practices, including Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics, offer 0 % finance over 12–24 months and extended plans up to five years, bringing a £12,000 All-on-4 down to roughly £200–£250 a month. A soft-credit check is normally all that’s required.
Benefits and Risks You Need to Weigh Up
Even when case-selection is spot-on, same day dental implants are still a surgical procedure. Below is the balanced score-sheet to help you make an informed decision.
Proven Benefits Backed by Data
Instant function and aesthetics—no embarrassing gap or loose denture while you heal
One surgical visit instead of two or three, which means less injectable anaesthetic and fewer days off work
Studies report 94–98 % survival rates in well-selected cases, practically identical to delayed-load implants
Immediate support for the gum contour, reducing the “collapsed” look that can follow extractions
Faster return of confidence and speech, especially with full-arch “Teeth in a Day” bridges
Potential Risks and Complications
Primary stability is critical; excess micromovement in the first weeks can cause the implant to fail
Slightly higher early failure rate in smokers or uncontrolled diabetics
Infection, swelling or fracture of the temporary bridge if biting rules are ignored
Speech may feel “thick” for a few days and minor lisping is common until your tongue adapts
Higher up-front cost versus the staged approach Red-flags to phone your dentist about: persistent bleeding, rising pain after day 3, or any mobility in the provisional bridge.
Long-Term Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment
Night-guards for grinders, six-monthly hygienist visits, daily brushing around implant fixtures and a water-flosser keep bacterial biofilm at bay. Avoid smoking and hard foods that could overload the provisional bridge. With sensible care, your final zirconia or porcelain restoration should serve comfortably for 15 + years.
Aftercare and Recovery Tips for Long-Lasting Results
Your mouth will do most of the healing on autopilot, but smart after-care is what turns a good outcome into a decades-long success for your same day dental implants. Use the timeline below as a quick-reference playbook.
The First Week: Soft Diet & Oral Hygiene Routine
Stick to fork-mashable foods: scrambled eggs, yoghurt, soup. Rinse twice daily with 0.2 % chlorhexidine, then brush gently around the bridge using a baby-soft brush. Ice packs (10 min on, 10 min off) and standard ibuprofen keep swelling comfortable.
Weeks 2–8: Gradual Return to Normal Chewing
When tenderness eases, add pasta, soft fish and ripe fruit. Chew on both sides to share the load, and aim for 70–90 g of protein daily plus vitamin C to fuel bone remodelling.
Lifestyle Choices That Influence Healing
Smoking nearly halves implant success—quit now and stay nicotine-free for three months. Limit alcohol, avoid heavy gym sessions for one week, and prioritise eight hours’ sleep; growth hormones that repair bone peak overnight.
FAQ About Same Day Dental Implants
Still mulling things over? Below are the bite-size answers to the questions patients type into Google most often. Use them as a springboard for a deeper chat with your implant dentist.
Can dental implants really be done in one day?
Yes. The titanium fixture and a custom temporary crown or bridge are fitted in the same surgical session. You’ll return a few months later for the final, permanent ceramic work.
Can you get a single dental implant the same day?
You can—especially when a front tooth is removed and replaced immediately. Adequate bone and gentle bite forces are essential, so not every extraction socket qualifies.
How quickly can a dental implant be done from start to finish?
Same-day cases run from first consultation to final crown in roughly 3–6 months. Traditional two-stage implants usually stretch to 6–9 months because of extra healing periods.
Are same day dental implants safe?
When placed by an experienced surgeon in a suitable mouth, studies show 94–98 % success—on par with delayed-load implants. Good hygiene, no smoking and regular reviews keep things safe.
What is the success rate of Teeth-in-a-Day procedures?
Five-year data consistently reports survival rates above 94 %. Failures are most often linked to smoking, uncontrolled diabetes or ignoring the soft-food rules during early healing.
Are same day implants more painful than traditional ones?
Most patients describe similar, mild post-op soreness managed with standard painkillers. In fact, having only one surgery often means less overall discomfort and faster recovery.
Key Takeaways on Same Day Dental Implants
Same-day dental implants let eligible patients walk out with fixed, natural-looking teeth in a single visit. They shave months off the traditional timeline, boost confidence immediately and—when planned well—deliver survival rates above 94 %. The flip side is stricter case selection, a temporary soft-food diet and a higher up-front fee of roughly £2,000–£16,000 per jaw.
In a nutshell:
Ideal for healthy, non-smoking patients with good bone density
Immediate function and aesthetics; final ceramic fitted after 3–6 months
Comparable long-term success to two-stage implants
Early risks centre on implant micromovement and infection—meticulous after-care is non-negotiable
Finance plans make treatment more accessible, while NHS funding is rare
Still weighing it up? Book a personal assessment with the implant team at Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics to confirm if “Teeth in a Day” is the right fit for your smile and budget.
