Getting a tooth pulled is never fun, but what if you could replace it right away? That’s where same-day tooth extraction and implant procedures come in. Instead of waiting months for healing, some people can get a dental implant right after their tooth is removed. This is called an immediate dental implant. In many cases, a crown or bridge is also placed at the same time to restore your smile. This process is often referred to as immediate loading. In this article, we’ll cover when this is a good idea, when it’s not, and everything else you need to know. If you need a periodontist, we have offices in Salt Lake City and South Jordan and offer competitive prices! Our offices are conveniently located near West Valley, North Salt Lake, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, and Midvale.

Dental Implants in One Day 

Immediate dental implants are changing the way people think about tooth replacement. In the past, patients had to wait several months between getting a tooth pulled and having an implant placed. This waiting period allowed the bone and gum tissue to heal before moving forward with the next step. But with immediate implants, everything moves much faster. The implant is placed right after the extraction, saving time and reducing the number of visits. 

With immediate loading, the process goes one step further. Not only is the implant placed right after the tooth is removed, but a crown or bridge is also attached during the same appointment or shortly after. This crown isn’t always permanent, but it looks and functions like a real tooth while the implant fuses with the bone. You won’t have to walk around with a gap in your smile, feeling like everyone’s noticing that missing tooth. 

The goal of immediate loading is to give the implant stability from the very beginning. If the bone is strong enough and the implant is secure, it can handle gentle function during the healing period. The temporary tooth is carefully shaped and positioned to avoid too much pressure, which helps prevent disruption to the healing process. Later, once the implant fully integrates with the jawbone, the temporary crown is swapped for a custom permanent one that’s built to last.

Pros of Immediate Dental Implants 

  • Faster results with tooth replacement on the same day 
  • Fewer dental visits overall 
  • Helps maintain natural jawbone structure 
  • Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting 
  • Can improve confidence right away, especially for visible teeth 
  • Reduces the need for temporary solutions like partial dentures 
  • May shorten total healing time 

Cons of Immediate Dental Implants 

  • Not everyone is a good candidate 
  • Higher risk of implant failure if the area isn’t stable enough 
  • More complex than traditional implant procedures 
  • Requires a skilled and experienced implant dentist 
  • Swelling or infection at the extraction site may delay healing 
  • Can be more expensive up front compared to staged procedures 

How It Works 

The idea behind immediate dental implants is to take advantage of the body’s natural healing process. When a tooth is removed, the socket is still fresh and full of living bone, which makes it an ideal environment to place the implant right away. The implant acts as an artificial tooth root and is anchored directly into the jawbone. This can help stimulate the bone and encourage it to fuse with the implant more efficiently.

Who Can Do It 

Immediate dental implants can be a great option, but they’re not right for everyone. The best candidates are generally in good overall health and have healthy gums and strong jawbone support. If the bone around the extracted tooth is dense and undamaged, it creates a solid foundation for the implant to take hold. Non-smokers tend to have better healing outcomes, as smoking can interfere with the body’s ability to recover and integrate the implant. 

People who are dealing with gum disease or infections near the extraction site may not be ideal candidates right away. The area needs to be clean and free of infection for the implant to succeed. In some cases, patients may need additional procedures like bone grafting before they can move forward with an immediate implant. It’s also important to consider how well a person follows aftercare instructions. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must for long-term success. A thorough exam and consultation will help determine if this is the right approach for you. 

When It’s Recommended 

Dentists often recommend immediate dental implants when the surrounding bone and tissue are still in good shape at the time of removal. Acting quickly can help preserve the natural structure of your mouth and reduce the chance of needing future corrective work. It’s especially considered when the tooth being pulled is in a highly visible spot or when the patient wants to avoid wearing a removable appliance. If everything lines up just right, immediate placement can simplify the overall treatment plan and lead to a smoother recovery. 

When It’s Not Recommended

There are certain situations where waiting is the safer choice. If the area around the tooth is severely damaged or inflamed, placing an implant right away could increase the risk of complications. In cases where the bone has already started to deteriorate or the gum tissue is unstable, giving the mouth time to heal first is often the better path. Some patients may also need time to address other health concerns, like uncontrolled diabetes or immune issues, before moving forward with an implant. 

The Same Day Tooth Extraction & Implant Guide Conclusion 

Choosing how to replace a missing tooth isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but it doesn’t have to be totally overwhelming. Immediate dental implants offer a modern solution that fits certain situations really well. It’s not about rushing the process, it’s about doing what makes the most sense for your smile and long-term health. If you’re considering a same-day tooth extraction and implant, call and schedule an appointment with our friendly team at Utah Periodontal Specialists in either our Salt Lake City or South Jordan location. We’ll walk you through your options, help determine what’s best for your needs, and make sure you feel confident about your next steps.