Same Day Dental Implants in the UK: Costs, Options & Risks

Same day dental implants are a way to replace missing or failing teeth and walk out with fixed teeth on the very same day. Often called All‑on‑4, All‑on‑6 or “teeth in a day”, the technique typically uses four to six implants to secure a full arch bridge, or a single implant for an individual tooth. A lifelike temporary bridge is fitted immediately so you’re never without teeth, then replaced with a stronger, long‑term bridge after the implants bond with your jawbone over the following months. It’s fixed (not a removable denture) and designed to look and feel natural.

This UK‑focused guide explains how same day implants work step by step, who is and isn’t a good candidate, and the differences between All‑on‑4, All‑on‑6 and other “teeth in a day” options. You’ll find typical UK prices, what’s included, common add‑ons and finance choices, plus whether the NHS covers implants. We’ll set realistic expectations on benefits and limits, outline risks and how they’re managed, cover sedation for nervous patients, and map out the surgery day, recovery and long‑term care. Finally, you’ll learn how to choose a trusted clinic, the questions to ask, and the best next steps.

How same day implants work step by step

If you’re weighing up same day dental implants in the UK, the journey is structured and predictable: careful planning, one surgical visit to place the implants and fit a temporary fixed bridge, then a final bridge after healing. Here’s what the pathway typically looks like.

1. Consultation and suitability Your implant dentist reviews your medical history, examines your mouth and takes X‑rays and 3D scans to assess bone volume. They’ll explain options (All‑on‑4/6 or single implants), timelines and fees, so you can make an informed choice.

2. Digital planning and smile design Using your scans, the team virtually plans implant positions and designs your temporary bridge. Sedation or local anaesthetic is agreed based on your comfort needs.

3. Surgery day: extractions and implants Under local anaesthetic (with optional sedation), failing teeth are removed. Four to six implants are placed in each jaw, often at strategic angles to achieve immediate stability.

4. Immediate fixed temporary bridge A custom temporary bridge is fitted to the implants the same day. Your bite and aesthetics are fine‑tuned before you leave.

5. Early aftercare You go home with fixed teeth plus guidance on a softer diet and cleaning around the bridge. In rare cases where bone can’t support immediate loading, a removable denture is used initially and the bridge is fitted a few months later.

6. Healing and reviews (3–4 months) Implants integrate with your jawbone, with scheduled checks to monitor progress and hygiene.

7. Final long‑term bridge Once integration is confirmed (often at three to four months), the temporary is replaced with a durable, custom long‑term bridge and a maintenance plan is set.

Who is a good candidate (and who isn't)

Same day dental implants in the UK are suitable for most adults with missing or failing teeth who want a fixed, natural‑looking result without months of gaps or dentures. Your dentist will assess gum health and use X‑rays/3D scans to confirm bone volume and plan angled implant placement for immediate stability. If bone is too weak to support loading straight away, you may still have implants, but with a staged approach or temporary removable denture until healing allows a fixed bridge.

• Healthy gums: Any gum disease must be treated and stabilised first.

• Adequate bone: Angled placement helps, but severe loss may need grafting or delayed loading.

• Medical stability: Uncontrolled diabetes or recent jaw radiotherapy can postpone treatment.

• Smoking and habits: Heavy smoking raises failure risk; bruxism may need a nightguard.

• Realistic expectations: Soft diet during healing and a temporary bridge before the final prosthesis.

All-on-4 vs All-on-6 vs "teeth in a day": key differences

These terms often get mixed up. “Teeth in a day” is the umbrella for immediate‑load full‑arch treatment where implants and a fixed temporary bridge are fitted on the same day, then swapped for a long‑term bridge after integration (typically three to four months). All‑on‑4 and All‑on‑6 describe how many implants support each arch. Both use strategic, often angled placement to achieve the stability needed for immediate loading.

• All‑on‑4: Four implants per arch. Efficient, widely used, and can suit patients with reduced bone by leveraging angled posterior implants to avoid grafting in many cases.

• All‑on‑6: Six implants per arch. More fixtures spread the load and can add redundancy for heavy bites or bruxism; usually higher cost and chair time.

• “Teeth in a day”: The treatment protocol, not a specific number of implants; most cases use 4–6 implants with a same‑day fixed provisional.

• Which is right for you? Clinicians decide based on bone volume and quality (from X‑rays/3D scans), bite forces, parafunction, arch (upper vs lower), medical factors and budget when planning same day dental implants in the UK.

Single-tooth immediate implants vs full-arch solutions

Both approaches fall under “same day dental implants” but they serve very different needs. A single-tooth immediate implant replaces one missing or failing tooth and, if there’s enough bone for primary stability, a temporary crown can be fitted the same day. It’s ideal where local bone and gums are healthy. Full‑arch solutions (often All‑on‑4 or All‑on‑6) are designed for people with many failing or missing teeth, placing four to six implants to support a fixed temporary bridge in one visit.

• When used: Single gaps with good bone vs multiple missing/failing teeth across an arch.

• What’s placed: One implant and provisional crown vs 4–6 implants with a full‑arch temporary bridge.

• Same‑day fit: Both can be immediate; if stability is insufficient, loading may be delayed with a removable option temporarily.

• Treatment scope: Single‑tooth is a focused procedure; full‑arch involves more planning, chair time and follow‑up.

• Diet while healing: Both need a softer diet; full‑arch cases typically follow stricter guidance during integration.

Costs in the UK: typical prices and cost drivers

Costs for same day dental implants in the UK vary because every case is tailored to your bone, bite and smile goals. For a single tooth, typical fees are £1,800–£3,800 including the crown. Full‑arch “teeth in a day” uses 4–6 implants plus a custom bridge, so the investment per arch is significantly higher; most clinics confirm a guide price only after 3D scans and planning. As this treatment isn’t available on the NHS, it’s funded privately, and many providers offer patient finance to spread payments (often 0% APR over 3–36 months, subject to status).

• Number of implants per arch:All‑on‑4 vs All‑on‑6 changes parts and surgery time.

• Jaw and bone condition: Sinus anatomy, bone loss or grafting needs affect complexity.

• Extractions and staging: Removing failing teeth and any temporary denture phase add time/cost.

• Immediate vs delayed loading: If stability is borderline, extra visits/components may be needed.

• Bridge design and materials: Temporary then long‑term bridges; specification influences fees.

• Sedation choice: Local anaesthetic only vs conscious sedation changes costs.

• Implant system used: Premium brands (e.g., Straumann) can carry higher lab/part costs.

• Clinic factors: Advanced 3D planning, follow‑ups and hygiene packages included (or not) in quotes.

What's included in the price (and common add-ons)

Packages for same day dental implants in the UK vary by clinic, but a clear quote should spell out what’s covered from consultation to final bridge. Because treatment is tailored to your bone, bite and smile goals, always ask for an itemised plan so there are no surprises later.

• Commonly included: Initial consultation; clinical exam plus X‑rays/3D scans; digital planning; extractions (if needed) on the day; placement of 4–6 implants per arch; a same‑day fixed temporary bridge; scheduled review visits during healing; and a custom long‑term bridge fitted after 3–4 months, with hygiene and aftercare guidance.

• Possible add‑ons: Conscious sedation (vs local anaesthetic); bone grafting or sinus‑related procedures if required; a temporary removable denture if immediate loading isn’t possible; additional hygiene or maintenance appointments beyond the standard plan; and upgraded materials or implant systems that increase lab/part costs.

Finance and payment options in the UK

Most UK clinics offering same day dental implants provide patient finance so you can spread the cost once your treatment plan is agreed. Commonly, clinics partner with FCA‑regulated lenders to offer 0% APR over shorter terms and interest‑bearing options over longer terms. Eligibility and affordability checks apply, and a deposit can lower monthly payments. Always compare the total amount repayable and what’s included before you sign.

• 0% APR terms: Often available over 3–36 months (subject to status and loan amount).

• Longer terms: 48–60 months are typically interest‑bearing (e.g., 7.9% APR representative).

• Loan sizes: Common ranges are £250–£50,000, applied for after you approve your plan.

• Eligibility basics: 18+, UK resident, UK bank account, permanent employment, credit check.

• Practical tips: Confirm deposit options, early‑settlement rules, and any fees; ensure your quote covers both the same‑day provisional and the final bridge.

NHS vs private: can you get implants on the NHS?

For clarity, “Smile in a Day”/same day dental implants are not available on the NHS and need to be funded privately. UK clinics typically provide a full private pathway that includes consultation, 3D scans, surgery with local anaesthetic or sedation, a same‑day fixed provisional bridge, and the final bridge after 3–4 months. Many also offer regulated patient finance, often at 0% APR over 3–36 months (subject to status), to help spread the cost.

• Availability: Same day implants (All‑on‑4/6) are a private treatment.

• Control and comfort: Choose materials, timing, and sedation options.

• Finance: Structured plans and clear itemised quotes.

If you’re seeking NHS support, your dentist can advise on non‑implant alternatives and whether any referral is appropriate privately. Next, here’s what you can realistically expect from treatment benefits.

Benefits you can expect (and realistic limits)

Same day dental implants let you walk in with failing or missing teeth and leave with a fixed smile that looks and feels natural. For many, it’s a confidence‑restoring, life‑simplifying upgrade from loose dentures. Here’s what they genuinely offer — and the limits to keep in mind.

• Immediate fixed teeth: A custom temporary bridge is fitted the same day, so you’re never without teeth.

• Natural aesthetics: Shape and shade are tailored; results are discreet and lifelike.

• Function and confidence: Speak and eat more comfortably with a stable, fixed solution.

• Bone support: Implants can help reduce bone loss, supporting facial structure.

• Long‑term potential: With good care, implants can last as long as natural teeth.

• Realistic limits: You’ll wear a temporary bridge first; the final bridge follows after 3–4 months.

• Diet during healing: Softer foods are essential while implants integrate.

• Occasional delay: If immediate support isn’t possible, a removable denture may be used short‑term.

• Maintenance matters: Excellent hygiene and regular reviews are critical; smoking/bruxism increase risks.

Risks, complications and how they are managed

Same day dental implants rely on achieving immediate stability, so careful planning and aftercare are essential. In some cases, bone cannot support a fixed bridge straight away; when that happens, a temporary removable denture is used until the implants have integrated, and the fixed bridge is placed a few months later. Good hygiene and regular reviews are key to keeping implants healthy long‑term.

• Normal post‑op effects: Expect short‑term soreness, swelling and minor bleeding. These settle with your dentist’s aftercare plan and review appointments.

• Insufficient primary stability on the day: If implants can’t be loaded safely, your clinic will fit a temporary removable denture and delay the fixed bridge until integration.

• Biological complications: Poor gum health or hygiene can inflame tissues around implants. Management includes treating gum disease before surgery, tailored cleaning guidance and scheduled maintenance.

• Mechanical issues: A same‑day temporary bridge can need bite adjustments while you heal; planned reviews allow refinements before the long‑term bridge.

• Risk factors: Heavy smoking and bruxism increase complication risks. Clinics may recommend smoking cessation and a nightguard to protect your new teeth.

Thorough assessment with X‑rays and 3D scans, staged planning, a softer diet during healing and structured follow‑up significantly reduce risk and support predictable outcomes.

Sedation and comfort options for nervous patients

Feeling anxious about dental treatment is common, and same day dental implants in the UK can be completed comfortably with the right approach. Procedures are typically carried out under local anaesthetic or with dental sedation, so you stay relaxed while your clinician works. Sedation is especially helpful for nervous patients and is discussed during your consultation so your plan matches your comfort needs. Throughout, your team monitors you and keeps communication clear, with a calm pace and thorough reassurance.

• Local anaesthetic: Numbs the treatment area so you feel pressure and vibration, not pain.

• Dental sedation (conscious): Helps you feel deeply relaxed yet responsive; often paired with local anaesthetic for maximum comfort.

• Personalised comfort plan: Agreed ahead of time, covering breaks, communication and what to expect during each stage.

• Aftercare and pain control: You’ll leave with tailored instructions and medication guidance to stay comfortable as you heal.

What to expect on the day of surgery

The day is well‑planned and focused on comfort. After final checks, you’ll have local anaesthetic (and sedation if agreed). Any failing teeth are removed, four to six implants are placed at strategic angles, and a custom temporary bridge is fitted the same day. Your dentist adjusts the bite and appearance before you leave. In the rare event your bone can’t support immediate loading, a temporary removable denture may be used until the fixed bridge is placed a few months later.

• Arrival and checks: Medical review, consent, and pre‑op photos.

• Anaesthesia/sedation: Numbing and relaxation as planned.

• Extractions and site preparation: Gentle removal of unsalvageable teeth.

• Implant placement: 4–6 implants per arch, positioned for stability.

• Immediate bridge fit: Fixed provisional teeth attached and refined.

• Post‑op briefing: Soft‑diet and cleaning guidance, review appointments scheduled.

Recovery, diet and aftercare timeline

You’ll leave surgery with a fixed temporary bridge and a clear aftercare plan. Healing focuses on keeping the area clean, sticking to a softer diet, and attending reviews while the implants integrate. Once your clinician confirms stability (often at three to four months), your long‑term bridge is fitted and fine‑tuned.

• First few days: Expect soreness and swelling that ease with your dentist’s pain‑control advice. Rest, keep the area clean as instructed, and avoid heavy chewing on the new bridge.

• First week: Follow a soft‑food diet (think tender, easy‑to‑chew options). Brush gently with a soft brush around the bridge and gums, and follow any specific cleaning instructions provided.

• Weeks 2–6: Gradually expand your menu but avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods. Keep meticulous hygiene; your team may suggest interdental brushes, a water flosser and an antimicrobial rinse.

• Reviews and adjustments: Scheduled checks allow bite tweaks and hygiene support while you heal. Wear any nightguard provided if you clench or grind.

• Around months 3–4: If integration is confirmed, your temporary bridge is replaced with a durable, custom long‑term bridge and your maintenance schedule is set.

If immediate loading wasn’t possible on the day, you may use a temporary removable denture until the fixed bridge is placed after healing.

Long-term care, maintenance and lifespan

Same day dental implants are designed for the long haul, but they rely on everyday care and regular professional maintenance. Your clinic will give you a personalised plan once your long‑term bridge is fitted, focusing on hygiene, bite checks and protecting the implants. Look after them like healthy natural teeth and they can be just as long‑lasting.

• Meticulous daily cleaning: Use a soft brush, interdental brushes and/or a water flosser to clean around the bridge and implant abutments.

• Scheduled reviews and hygiene visits: Professional cleaning with implant‑safe tools, gum health checks and bite adjustments if needed.

• Protect against overload: Wear a nightguard if you clench or grind; avoid using teeth to open packets or bite very hard foods.

• Lifestyle support: Stop smoking and manage gum health to reduce biological complications.

• Act early: Report any soreness, swelling, looseness or bridge damage promptly so small issues don’t become big ones.

With consistent home care and clinic maintenance, implants can last as long as natural teeth when cared for properly.

Success rates and how to improve your odds

Same day dental implants in the UK achieve predictable outcomes when carefully planned and maintained. In most cases the provisional bridge is fitted the same day, and implants can last as long as natural teeth when cared for properly. Your long‑term success depends on bone quality, gum health, bite forces, and your commitment to hygiene and reviews.

• Choose an experienced team: Look for clinicians who use X‑rays and 3D scans with immediate‑load protocols.

• Sort gum and general health first: Treat periodontitis, stabilise medical conditions, and review medications.

• Quit or cut smoking: Smoking increases biological complications and jeopardises healing.

• Respect the soft‑diet phase: Avoid hard or sticky foods and follow bite instructions while implants integrate.

• Be meticulous with cleaning: Soft brush, interdental brushes and water flosser; use antimicrobial rinses if advised.

• Attend every review: Allow bite adjustments, hygiene support and early intervention if needed.

• Protect against grinding: Wear a nightguard if you clench or brux.

• Report issues early: Any pain, swelling or looseness warrants prompt assessment.

Alternatives if you are not suitable for same day implants

If same day dental implants aren’t the right fit today, you still have reliable routes to restore function and confidence. Your clinician can tailor a plan that meets your oral health, bone volume and budget while keeping future implant options open.

• Conventional (delayed) implants: Implants placed and left to heal before fitting the crown or bridge; ideal when immediate loading isn’t possible.

• Staged full‑arch implants: Use a temporary removable denture during healing, then fit a fixed bridge once integration is confirmed.

• Implant‑retained overdentures: Removable dentures that clip to 2–4 implants for added stability and comfort.

• Conventional dentures: Modern full or partial dentures as a cost‑effective, non‑surgical option.

• Tooth‑supported bridges: Fixed solutions for single or short spans; adhesive (Maryland) bridges can be minimally invasive.

• Become a candidate later: Gum therapy, smoking cessation, bone grafting/sinus procedures and short‑term dentures can prepare you for same day dental implants in the UK at a future stage.

How to choose a trusted UK clinic

Who you choose matters more than the brand of implant. A reliable UK clinic will show its planning upfront, place with predictable immediate‑load protocols, and support you through healing and maintenance. Use this checklist to compare providers for same day dental implants in the UK.

• Proven experience: Ask for before/after cases and how many immediate‑load (full‑arch and single‑tooth) treatments they complete each year.

• Comprehensive diagnostics: Expect X‑rays plus 3D scans, digital planning and, where appropriate, guided surgery.

• Clear pathway: Extractions, 4–6 implants, same‑day provisional, scheduled reviews, and a final bridge at 3–4 months; a fallback plan if immediate loading isn’t possible.

• Transparent pricing: Itemised quote showing what’s included (provisional and final bridge), likely add‑ons (sedation, grafting), and implant/lab specifications.

• Finance clarity: FCA‑regulated patient finance with 0% options, total repayable, deposits and early‑settlement terms.

• Comfort and safety: Local anaesthetic with optional conscious sedation, clear consent, and medication guidance.

• Maintenance commitment: Written hygiene plan, recall intervals, bite checks and repair/adjustment protocols.

• Independent reassurance: Detailed treatment information and verified patient reviews that reference outcomes and aftercare.

Questions to ask at your consultation

A good consultation should leave you clear on suitability, process, costs and aftercare. Use these questions to compare clinics offering same day dental implants in the UK and to set realistic expectations before you commit.

• Experience: How many immediate‑load full‑arch cases do you place yearly?

• Case selection: What makes me suitable or not for immediate loading?

• Planning: Will I have X‑rays and 3D scans with digital planning?

• Protocol: All‑on‑4 or All‑on‑6 — why for my case?

• Fallback plan: What happens if you can’t load the bridge same day?

• Materials: Which implant system and bridge materials will you use?

• Sedation: What sedation options and monitoring do you provide?

• Timeline: How many visits from consult to final bridge fit?

• Pricing: Does the quote include provisional and final bridges itemised?

• Add‑ons: Possible extra costs (sedation, grafting, maintenance) I should expect?

• Finance: 0% terms available, deposit needed and total repayable?

• Aftercare: Hygiene schedule, nightguard needs and long‑term maintenance costs?

• Risks: My specific risk factors and how you’ll manage them?

FAQs about same day dental implants

Before you book, here are quick answers to the questions UK patients ask most about same day dental implants. They’ll help you set expectations on timing, comfort, costs and aftercare, and highlight where your individual assessment (X‑rays and 3D scans) determines the final plan.

• What does “same day” actually mean? Implants and a fixed temporary bridge are fitted in one visit; a long‑term bridge replaces it after integration (often 3–4 months).

• Am I suitable? Most adults are. Your dentist checks gum health and bone with scans; if immediate loading isn’t safe, a staged plan is used.

• Will I be left without teeth? In most cases no; if loading isn’t possible, a temporary removable denture is used until the fixed bridge is placed.

• Does it hurt? You’re numb with local anaesthetic; conscious sedation is available. Expect short‑term soreness and swelling.

• How many implants per arch? Typically four to six, placed strategically (often at angles) for stability.

• How long to the final teeth? Commonly three to four months, once the implants have bonded to bone.

• How much does it cost? Single implants are typically £1,800–£3,800 including the crown. Full‑arch is bespoke; clinics give guide prices after scans. Many offer 0% finance (subject to status). Not available on the NHS.

• Can I get a single‑tooth “same day” implant? Yes, if primary stability is achieved; otherwise the crown is delayed.

• Will I need bone grafting? Angled placement can avoid grafting for many, but severe bone loss may require staged treatment.

• What are the risks? Short‑term swelling/bruising; biological issues if hygiene is poor; occasional bite or bridge adjustments. Reviews and aftercare minimise these.

• What can I eat while healing? A soft diet for several weeks; avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods until your dentist advises otherwise.

• How long do implants last? With excellent hygiene and regular maintenance, they can last as long as natural teeth.

Next steps

If you’re ready to move from research to results, your best next step is a suitability assessment. A good clinic will confirm whether immediate loading is right for you, map out All‑on‑4/6 versus alternatives from your scans, and give you a clear, itemised plan covering the same‑day provisional and the final bridge. You should leave with costs, timings, risks and a maintenance roadmap—plus finance options if you want to spread payments. Nervous about treatment? Agree your sedation and comfort plan upfront.

• Book a consultation and 3D scan-based assessment.

• Bring your medical history, medications and priorities.

• Ask for an itemised quote (provisional and final bridges).

• Discuss sedation, soft‑diet guidance and your follow‑up plan.

• Review 0% finance options and total amount repayable.

Ready to talk to a trusted UK team? Contact Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics to plan your same day dental implant journey with experienced clinicians, modern imaging and flexible finance.