Immediate Implant Placement After Extraction
 Immediate implant placement after extraction means a dental implant is placed into the socket during the same appointment as tooth removal. For many patients, this “tooth extraction and implant same day” approach can shorten the overall treatment timeline and reduce the number of surgical visits. However, it’s important to know what “same-day” does and does not mean: the implant may be placed the day the tooth is removed, but the final crown is not always placed that day.
A dental implant system has three main parts: the implant (a small titanium or ceramic post that functions like a tooth root), the abutment (the connector), and the crown (the visible tooth). Some patients also qualify for a temporary tooth option, depending on stability and bite factors.
Immediate implant placement is common to consider when a tooth is broken beyond repair, severely decayed, failing after a root canal, or needs removal due to pain or structural damage—especially when patients want a faster, fewer-visit plan and are exploring same day dental implants after extraction.
Immediate Implant Placement After Extraction Explained
Immediate dental implant placement refers to placing the implant into the extraction socket during the same visit the tooth is removed. The goal is to remove the tooth as gently as possible, preserve surrounding bone and gum tissue where feasible, and position the implant in a way that supports long-term stability and a natural-looking result.
What it does not automatically mean is “walk out with a final tooth that day.” Many cases require healing time before the final crown is placed to protect integration and control bite forces.
A high-level view of a typical same-day extraction and implant appointment often includes:
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Evaluation and planning - Exam and imaging to assess bone, infection status, and bite.
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Careful extraction - Techniques designed to protect the socket walls and gum tissue.
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Implant placement - The implant is positioned in the socket where stability can be achieved.
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Gap management - If there is space between the implant and socket wall, graft material may be used to support healing.
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Protection during healing - A healing cap or (in select cases) a temporary tooth is placed to guide tissue healing and reduce stress on the implant. |
Immediate implant placement is different from immediate loading. Immediate placement is about when the implant goes in. Immediate loading is about when a tooth is placed on the implant (often a temporary tooth), which is not appropriate for every case—especially if the implant needs protection from chewing forces.
Why Patients Choose Same-Day Implant Placement
Patients often explore implant placement after extraction because they want a streamlined plan that reduces downtime and consolidates procedures when it’s safe to do so. When the anatomy and tissue conditions are favorable, immediate placement can support both function and appearance goals—especially when replacing a visible tooth.
Common reasons patients consider immediate tooth replacement implants include:
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Fewer surgical stages - In appropriate cases, extraction and implant placement happen in one surgical visit.
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Potential preservation goals - Placing an implant at the time of extraction may help support gum and bone contours in select situations.
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Faster overall treatment pathway - Even if the final crown comes later, the implant phase can begin right away.
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Convenience - Fewer separate appointments for surgery can be helpful for scheduling, travel, or work needs.
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Temporary tooth planning - Some patients may be able to avoid a removable temporary if stability and bite allow. |
Outcomes depend on biology, the shape of the extraction site, implant stability, and case complexity. For some patients, a staged plan offers better predictability and lower risk.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Immediate Implants?
The most important question behind “tooth extraction and implant same day” is whether the extraction site can support primary stability—the firm initial grip of the implant in bone. Primary stability is a key factor that helps the implant stay immobile while the bone heals and bonds to it.
Factors that often support candidacy for immediate implant placement after extraction include:
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Adequate bone volume and quality - Sufficient bone around the socket to anchor the implant securely.
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Healthy or manageable tissue conditions - Surrounding gum and bone can support healing; infection must be controlled.
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Favorable bite forces and spacing - The implant can be positioned correctly without damaging neighboring structures.
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Stable overall health - Medical conditions are controlled well enough to support normal healing.
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Commitment to aftercare - Willingness to follow diet, hygiene, and follow-up instructions that protect integration. |
Some infections can be managed with careful cleaning, removal of diseased tissue, and appropriate planning, while others require staging for safety. Habits like smoking/vaping and grinding/clenching can increase risk because they impair healing or overload the implant. Front teeth and back teeth can also have different challenges—front teeth often prioritize gum aesthetics, while back teeth often face heavier chewing forces.
When Immediate Implant Placement May Not Be Recommended
Immediate placement is not always the safest option. The main reason to avoid same-day implant placement is when the site cannot reliably support stability and healthy healing conditions. In those situations, delaying implant placement is often a strategic way to increase predictability.
Common reasons immediate placement may be discouraged include:
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Insufficient bone or significant bone loss - The socket walls or surrounding bone may not be strong enough to stabilize the implant.
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Active, uncontrolled infection - Some infections require time and staged healing to reduce complications.
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Unfavorable socket shape or defects - The implant may not achieve primary stability due to anatomy or bone defects.
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High-risk bite forces - Severe bruxism or bite issues may overload a new implant unless managed.
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Medical factors affecting healing - Conditions or medications that impair healing may require a modified timeline. |
Primary stability matters because implants need a stable environment for bone to integrate (osseointegration). If stability is not achievable, staged alternatives may be recommended, such as socket preservation, bone grafting, and delayed implant placement. Delaying does not mean “worse”—it often means “safer and more predictable for this site.”
The Step-by-Step Process: Extraction and Implant Same Day
Knowing the sequence can make the appointment feel more manageable. While every case is different, the process for same day tooth extraction and implant commonly follows a structured clinical workflow designed to protect bone, support stability, and reduce complications.
A typical sequence may look like this:
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Exam, imaging, and bite review to determine whether immediate implant placement is appropriate.
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Atraumatic (gentle) extraction techniques to preserve socket walls and gum tissue where possible.
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Site cleaning and preparation, including removal of infected or inflamed tissue when present.
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Implant placement into the socket with precise angulation and depth for long-term support.
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Stability check to confirm the implant is secure enough for the chosen healing plan.
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Gap management and grafting (when needed) to fill space between the implant and socket wall and support tissue healing.
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Tissue management and closure, such as sutures when needed, followed by protection with a healing cap or temporary option when appropriate. |
“Gap management” refers to the space that can exist between the implant and the socket walls after placement. In many immediate placement cases, graft material may be used to support bone healing in that space. Modern imaging and planning help the dental team at Martin Periodontics place implants accurately, but the final plan still depends on what is found at the time of extraction.
Will You Leave With a Tooth That Day?
Many searches for “same day dental implants after extraction” really mean, “Will I have a tooth immediately?” The answer depends on whether a temporary tooth can be placed safely without putting harmful forces on a new implant.
Key terms that often cause confusion:
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Healing cap - A small cover that protects the implant while the gums heal; no chewing function.
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Temporary crown - A temporary tooth used mainly for appearance; often designed to minimize biting forces.
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Final crown - The permanent tooth, typically placed after integration and tissue maturation.
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Immediate loading - Placing a temporary tooth on the implant soon after surgery; only appropriate when stability, bite, and risk factors allow. |
A temporary tooth may be more feasible in the front (especially for appearance concerns), but front-tooth cases also require careful gum shaping and contour control for a natural look. If same-day loading is not recommended, other temporary options may include a removable flipper, a clear retainer with a tooth, or a temporary bridge. In some cases, the safest choice is to avoid pressure on the area while the implant integrates.
Healing Timeline and What Recovery Feels Like
Healing after immediate implants happens in phases, and most patients feel improvement after the first several days as soft tissues begin to settle. The implant still needs time to integrate with bone, which is why the final crown is often scheduled later even when the implant is placed right away.
General healing stages include:
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Early gum healing - The first days to weeks, when swelling and tenderness typically decrease and tissues close around the site.
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Osseointegration - The bone-to-implant bonding period, which often takes months and varies by site and health factors.
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Restoration phase - Final impressions/scans and crown placement once the implant is ready and the bite can be adjusted properly. |
Common, expected sensations can include soreness, mild bleeding early on, swelling, and bruising. Red flags that should be addressed promptly include worsening pain after initial improvement, fever, persistent heavy bleeding, or swelling that rapidly increases.
Basic recovery guidance often includes:
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Diet - Soft foods at first; avoid chewing on the implant side until cleared.
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Activity - Limit strenuous activity immediately after surgery as advised.
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Oral hygiene - Keep the area clean using the method recommended by the dental team; avoid aggressive brushing directly on the surgical site early on.
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Avoid nicotine - Smoking/vaping can impair healing and increase complication risk.
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Follow-up visits - Checkpoints help confirm healthy healing and protect the long-term result. |
Your specific timeline is individualized based on the extraction site, stability at placement, whether grafting was used, and how your bite loads the area.
Success Factors and How Dentists Protect Long-Term Results
Long-term success with immediate implant placement after extraction depends on the quality of planning, surgical execution, and protection during healing—plus consistent aftercare once the tooth is restored. The goal is not just placing the implant, but placing it in a position that supports healthy gums, a cleansable crown shape, and stable bite forces.
Core success factors include:
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Primary stability - The implant must be stable enough for the chosen healing approach.
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Precise positioning - Angle and depth affect both strength and the ability to create a natural-looking, cleansable crown.
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Tissue health - Controlling inflammation and supporting gum architecture improves long-term maintenance and aesthetics.
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Infection control - Careful cleaning and appropriate protocols reduce risks, especially in previously infected sites.
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Bone and gum management - Grafting and tissue shaping can support contours and hygiene access when indicated.
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Occlusion control - Managing bite forces during healing reduces overload risk.
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Maintenance - Professional cleanings, home care, and nightguard use when indicated help protect peri-implant health. |
Gum contour is not only cosmetic; it affects how easy it is to clean around the implant. Long-term health includes preventing inflammation around implants (peri-implant disease) through routine care and monitoring.
Immediate vs Delayed Implants: Which Approach Is Better?
There isn’t a single best approach for every patient. The “right” timeline depends on stability, infection control, bone condition, gum tissue needs, and bite forces. A balanced comparison helps set realistic expectations.
How the main pathways differ:
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Immediate placement - Implant placed at extraction; often chosen when stability is achievable and tissues can support predictable healing.
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Early placement - Implant placed after a short healing period (often weeks), sometimes used when soft tissue conditions need improvement first.
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Delayed placement - Implant placed after more complete healing (often months), commonly used when bone defects, grafting needs, or infection strategies make staging safer. |
Immediate placement can reduce surgical stages in appropriate cases, while delayed placement can improve predictability when the site needs rebuilding or when tissue management is critical. Many patients fall somewhere between these extremes, and the safest plan is determined by clinical findings at evaluation.
Common Questions About Same-Day Extraction and Implant
FAQs
Can I get an implant the same day as an extraction?
Sometimes. Same-day implant placement depends on bone volume, socket shape, infection control, and whether the implant can achieve primary stability. An exam and imaging are needed to confirm candidacy.
Does an infected tooth prevent immediate implant placement?
Not always. Some infections can be managed with thorough cleaning and appropriate planning, while uncontrolled infection or compromised tissue may require a staged approach for safety and predictability.
Will I need a bone graft if the implant is placed immediately?
It depends. Many immediate placement cases involve “gap management,” where graft material is used to support healing in spaces between the implant and socket wall. The need is determined by anatomy and stability goals.
How long does the appointment take?
Timing varies by complexity, number of teeth, grafting needs, and sedation planning. Your dental team can provide a personalized estimate after evaluation and imaging.
Is immediate placement more painful than extraction alone?
Many patients report a similar recovery profile, but discomfort depends on the difficulty of the extraction, tissue condition, and whether grafting was performed. Post-op soreness and swelling are common and typically improve over several days.
When can I chew normally again?
Chewing on the implant site is usually limited early to protect integration. The return to normal chewing depends on stability, healing progress, and the restoration plan, and should follow your dentist’s guidance.
What if I grind my teeth?
Grinding and clenching can overload an implant during healing and after restoration. A management plan may include bite adjustments, a nightguard, and careful restoration design to reduce excessive forces.
How long do dental implants last with good care?
Many implants can function for many years when placed appropriately and maintained with good home care and professional cleanings. Longevity depends on factors like bite forces, tissue health, smoking status, and ongoing maintenance.
Next Steps: Evaluation and Planning
Determining whether immediate implant placement after extraction is right for you requires an in-person evaluation. At Martin Periodontics, planning typically focuses on confirming bone availability, identifying infection status, evaluating bite forces, and mapping the safest timeline for implant stability and aesthetics.
What evaluation and planning often include:
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Clinical exam - Assessment of the tooth, gums, and surrounding tissues.
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Imaging - Imaging helps evaluate bone volume, anatomical landmarks, and implant positioning.
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Timeline discussion - Immediate, early, or delayed placement pathways based on clinical findings.
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Temporary tooth options - Whether a temporary crown is appropriate, or which alternatives protect healing.
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Medical review - Health history and medications that may affect healing and surgical planning. |
Preparing for a consultation often involves bringing a current medication list, relevant medical history, and questions about sedation options, expected recovery, and how to protect the site during healing. If insurance coverage is a concern, coverage questions are typically addressed through benefit verification and treatment planning based on your specific case. |
