What is immediate implants?
An immediate dental implant is one placed into the socket at the same visit as the tooth extraction, combining two surgeries into one and shortening the overall treatment timeline by 3–4 months. Candidacy requires adequate bone around and beneath the socket, an absence of significant infection, and is confirmed with a 3D CBCT scan. In well-selected cases, success rates are equivalent to delayed placement.
Why immediate is appealing
The traditional sequence is: extract the tooth, wait 3–4 months for the bone to heal, then place an implant, then wait another 3–4 months for it to integrate, then restore. Total time: 6–8 months and two surgical visits.
Immediate implant placement compresses the first two steps into one. You have one surgery instead of two, less total recovery, and 3–4 fewer months of waiting before your final crown.
When immediate works well
A tooth being removed for a non-infectious reason (fracture, failed endo, congenitally absent adjacent tooth) is often a great candidate. Adequate bone around and beneath the socket is needed to achieve initial stability of the implant.
We confirm candidacy with a 3D CBCT scan as part of your consultation.
When delayed is better
If there’s significant infection at the site, large bone loss, or thin tissue that needs to heal first, a staged approach (extract → graft → wait → implant) produces a more predictable long-term result. We’ll always recommend the approach that gives you the best outcome — not just the fastest.
What to expect
The visit takes 60–90 minutes. The tooth is removed atraumatically to preserve the socket walls; the implant is placed immediately into the socket and stabilized in the bone beneath. We often add a small graft around the implant to optimize tissue contour. A healing cap goes over the implant, or in select cases, a fixed provisional tooth.
Common questions
Is immediate placement as successful as delayed?
In well-selected cases, success rates are equivalent to delayed placement. Patient selection and surgical technique matter — we don’t recommend it for every site.
Will I have a tooth the same day?
In some cases, yes — particularly for front teeth where aesthetics matter. For molars, we usually let the implant integrate before placing any crown, with a removable temporary if needed.
Does it cost more?
Usually less, because there’s only one surgery. We’ll provide a clear written estimate at consultation.