Same-Day Dental Implants in London: Are They Right for You?

Same-day dental implants in London — sometimes called immediate implants or teeth in a day — allow an implant to be placed and a temporary crown to be fitted in a single appointment. For the right patient, this reduces the number of surgical stages and means leaving the clinic with a tooth in place the same day. But same-day implants are not suitable for everyone, and understanding when they are and are not appropriate is essential before making a decision. This article explains how same-day implants work, who may be a suitable candidate, how they differ from traditional staged implant placement and from All-on-4, what they cost at DentAkademi London and what to realistically expect from the procedure and recovery.

What Are Same-Day Dental Implants?

Traditional implant placement involves two separate surgical stages: the implant is placed and left to integrate with the bone for three to six months before the crown is attached. Same-day implants combine these stages — the implant is placed immediately after extraction and a temporary crown is fitted on the same day. This reduces the total number of visits and means the patient is never left without a tooth in the gap. There are two aspects to same-day implants worth understanding: immediate placement means the implant goes in at the time of extraction, rather than waiting for the socket to heal; immediate loading means a temporary crown is placed on the implant the same day, rather than waiting for osseointegration. Both aspects need to be assessed clinically — not all cases allow for both.

How Do Same-Day Dental Implants Work?

Extraction

If the tooth is still present, it is carefully extracted to preserve as much of the surrounding bone as possible. Atraumatic extraction techniques are used to minimise bone loss at the site, which is important for successful immediate implant placement.

Immediate Implant Placement

The implant is placed directly into the fresh extraction socket or existing gap. The surgeon assesses whether the bone volume and stability are sufficient for immediate loading — if primary stability is not achieved, a temporary crown may not be placed on the same day and a short healing period may be needed first.

Temporary Crown

If the implant achieves adequate primary stability, a temporary crown is attached the same day. This temporary restoration is not designed for full biting force — a soft diet is required during the healing phase. The temporary crown maintains aesthetics and space while the implant integrates with the bone.

Final Crown

After three to six months — once osseointegration is confirmed — the temporary crown is replaced with a final permanent crown made from zirconia, E-max porcelain or another suitable material. This is the same final stage as traditional implant treatment.

Who May Be Suitable for Same-Day Implants?

Same-day implants are not appropriate for every patient. Suitability depends on a careful clinical assessment, including a 3D CBCT scan to evaluate bone volume and density at the implant site.

• Sufficient bone volume and density at the extraction site for stable implant placement
• No active infection in the tooth, socket or surrounding bone
• Healthy gums with no active gum disease
• Good general health with no uncontrolled systemic conditions
• Non-smokers or patients prepared to stop smoking before and during healing
• Realistic expectations about the temporary nature of the same-day crown
• Commitment to a soft diet and careful maintenance during the healing phase

Who Is Not Suitable for Same-Day Implants?

Same-day implants carry a higher risk of failure in certain situations. They may not be appropriate — or may require a staged approach instead — in the following cases:

• Active infection in the tooth socket or surrounding bone — infection must be cleared before implant placement
• Insufficient bone volume for primary stability — the implant must be firmly fixed in the bone on the day of surgery
• Severe bone loss from gum disease — may require grafting before or during implant placement
• Heavy smokers — significantly higher risk of implant failure and compromised healing
• Uncontrolled diabetes or certain immune conditions — affect healing and osseointegration
• Very thin or fragile bone — requires staged treatment for safer outcomes

Same-Day Implants vs Traditional Implants

The key practical difference between same-day and traditional implants is the number of surgical stages and appointments involved — not the total healing time. Both approaches require the same osseointegration period of three to six months before a final crown can be placed. Same-day implants combine the extraction and implant placement into one procedure, and add a temporary crown the same day. Traditional staged implants separate these steps, typically to allow more healing time before placing the implant. Neither approach is universally better — the right choice depends entirely on the clinical situation. A surgeon who recommends same-day implants for every patient without individual assessment is not applying sound clinical judgement.

Same-Day Implants and All-on-4

All-on-4 is a type of same-day implant treatment — but for a full arch, not a single tooth. With All-on-4, four implants are placed and a temporary full-arch bridge is fitted the same day as surgery. The principles are similar: immediate placement and immediate loading, with a final bridge replacing the temporary one after healing. At DentAkademi London, All-on-4 is available from £6,600 per arch (reduced from £9,500 until 8 September 2026).

Same-Day Implant Cost in London

At DentAkademi London, a single dental implant including the crown is currently priced at £1,100 (reduced from £1,500) until 8 September 2026. This price covers the implant, the abutment and the final crown. Additional costs may apply for extractions, bone grafting, a CT scan or other preparatory procedures — these are set out clearly in the written treatment plan provided at the consultation. Finance options are available for treatments over £500, allowing the cost to be spread over monthly instalments. All pricing is itemised and provided in writing before any treatment begins.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Same-day implant surgery is usually carried out under local anaesthesia. The procedure for a single tooth typically takes one to two hours, covering the extraction, implant placement and temporary crown fitting. Sedation is available for patients who are anxious or prefer a more relaxed experience — this should be discussed at the consultation. After surgery, patients leave the clinic with the temporary crown in place. Some swelling and discomfort are expected in the first few days. Prescribed pain relief and anti-inflammatories are usually provided, and post-operative instructions are given in writing before leaving the clinic.

Recovery After Same-Day Implant Surgery

Recovery after same-day implant placement is similar to recovery after traditional implant surgery. Swelling and discomfort typically settle within one to two weeks. A soft diet is strongly recommended throughout the healing phase — the temporary crown is not designed to withstand normal biting forces, and placing excessive load on it during osseointegration can compromise the result. Follow-up appointments are important — typically at one week, six weeks and three months post-surgery — to monitor healing, check the temporary crown and ensure the implant is integrating correctly. Oral hygiene around the implant site should be maintained carefully but gently during the early healing period.

Long-Term Outlook

When placed in appropriately selected patients by an experienced implant surgeon, same-day implants can achieve outcomes comparable to traditionally staged implants. The implant itself can last 15 to 20 years or more with good oral hygiene and regular maintenance. The crown may need to be replaced or adjusted over time. Long-term success depends on the same factors as any implant: oral hygiene, smoking status, general health and consistent attendance at maintenance appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions