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Tooth loss can be sudden, painful, and let’s be honest—frustrating. Whether it’s due to decay, trauma, or gum disease, the question many patients ask is: “Can I get a dental implant right after my tooth is pulled?”
The good news? Yes, in many cases, dental implants can be placed immediately after extraction. This technique, known as “immediate implant placement,” offers several significant benefits for the right candidates. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Let’s dig into what makes immediate implants such an appealing option—and what you need to consider before choosing the same-day smile route.
The Traditional Route or Immediate Placement?
Traditionally, after a tooth is extracted, your jawbone is given time to heal, usually 3 to 6 months, before an implant is placed. This healing period allows the socket to fill in with bone and stabilize.
However, in recent years, immediate implant placement has emerged as a faster and more efficient option, particularly for patients seeking to avoid wearing temporary dentures or dealing with an unsightly gap.
With this method:
- The implant is placed into the socket immediately after the tooth is removed.
- A temporary crown may be attached right away or shortly after.
- Healing and bone integration (osseointegration) happen with the implant already in place.
Sounds great, right? It can be—but only under the right conditions.
Know If You’re a Good Candidate for Same-Day Implants
While the benefits of dental implants are impressive, not everyone is a candidate for immediate placement. At our office, we provide expert dental implant services in Charlotte and will carefully evaluate your eligibility:
- The health of your gums and jawbone.
- The absence of infection or inflammation.
- Whether your tooth roots are intact and can be cleaned and extracted.
- Your overall oral health and ability to heal correctly.
Ideal candidates have strong bone support and a non-infected extraction site. Smokers, people with advanced gum disease, or those with autoimmune conditions may require a more traditional, staged approach.
The Perks of Immediate Ones
If you are a good candidate, the benefits are pretty impressive:
- Shorter overall treatment time.
- Fewer surgical visits.
- Preservation of bone and gum tissue.
- No need for a removable temporary tooth.
- Faster return to smiling, chewing, and confidence.
It’s no wonder that more patients are asking for it, and why dental technology is making it more accessible.
Success Requires Precision
While same-day implants sound like a dream, they do come with a higher level of surgical complexity. The bone and surrounding tissue must be stable enough to support the implant under pressure.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, immediate implants have a success rate of approximately 94–96%, which is slightly lower than the 97–99% rate seen in delayed implants.
This indicates that, although the difference is slight, proper case selection and highly professional surgical technique are crucial.
What To Expect During The Procedure?
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Tooth Extraction: The damaged tooth is carefully removed with minimal trauma.
- Implant Placement: A titanium implant post is immediately inserted into the empty socket.
- Temporary Restoration (Optional): Depending on your case, a temporary crown may be placed.
- Healing and Integration: Over the next few months, your bone fuses to the implant.
- Permanent Crown: Once healing is complete, your final crown is attached.
The best part? You walk out of your appointment with a gap-free smile and no need for a flipper or denture.
Timing Is Everything
Can dental implants be placed immediately after extraction? Absolutely—but not for everyone.
If you’re a good candidate, this streamlined approach can save time, preserve your jawbone, and restore your smile faster than ever. Trust our Charlotte dentist to evaluate your unique case and provide honest, expert guidance every step of the way.
After all, your smile is worth getting right from day one.
