immediate dental implants

Immediate Dental Implants: Placed the Same Day as Extraction

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Immediate dental implants are placed into the socket on the same day as the tooth extraction — eliminating the waiting period that conventional implant protocols require between extraction and implant placement.

In suitable cases, this reduces the total number of surgical appointments, shortens the overall treatment timeline and allows patients to leave the clinic with a provisional crown or prosthesis on the same day.

Not every case is suitable for immediate placement. The decision depends on the condition of the bone at the extraction site, the absence of active infection, and the overall clinical situation. At Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia, every immediate implant case is assessed with a 3D CBCT scan before surgery to confirm that the conditions for immediate placement are met. Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero, specialist in implantology and oral surgery with over 30 years of experience, leads all implant assessments at the clinic.

How immediate dental implants work

In a conventional implant protocol, the tooth is extracted and the socket is left to heal for 8–12 weeks before the implant is placed. Immediate implants bypass this waiting period by placing the titanium post directly into the fresh extraction socket, using the existing bone walls for primary stability. A provisional crown or bridge is often fitted the same day.

Stage Conventional protocol Immediate implant protocol
Extraction Appointment 1 Appointment 1
Healing period 8–12 weeks Not required
Implant placement Appointment 2 Same day as extraction
Provisional crown Separate appointment Same day in suitable cases
Osseointegration + final crown 3–6 months after implant 3–6 months after implant

The osseointegration period — when the implant integrates with the surrounding bone — is the same regardless of protocol. The key advantage of immediate placement is that it eliminates one surgical procedure and reduces the total treatment time by 8–12 weeks.

Who is suitable for immediate dental implants?

Immediate placement requires specific clinical conditions that are confirmed by 3D CBCT imaging before any treatment is planned. Cases where immediate implants are typically suitable include:

Suitable for immediate implants Not suitable — delayed protocol indicated
Adequate bone volume at extraction site Active infection or abscess at the site
No active infection present Significant bone loss around the tooth
Intact bone walls at extraction socket Fractured or compromised socket walls
Good general health, non-smoker preferred Uncontrolled systemic conditions affecting healing

If immediate placement is not indicated, the conventional protocol — extraction followed by healing before implant placement — remains an excellent option. The important thing is that the decision is based on a proper 3D assessment, not assumed before imaging is reviewed.

Immediate implants for dental tourism patients

For patients travelling from the UK for dental treatment, immediate implants offer a particular advantage: when a tooth needs extracting and the conditions are right, the extraction and implant placement can be completed in the same visit — reducing the number of trips to Valencia required. At Asensio, the free first consultation includes a panoramic OPG X-ray that allows Dr. Asensio to assess whether immediate placement is likely to be feasible before the patient travels for surgery.

The osseointegration period of 3–6 months is spent at home in the UK, with the provisional crown in place. The second trip for the definitive crown is typically a short visit of one to two days. See our how dental tourism works page for a full overview of the treatment journey.

Frequently asked questions

Are immediate dental implants as successful as conventional implants?

Yes. Clinical evidence shows that immediate implants placed in suitable cases have success rates equivalent to those of conventional implants — above 95% at 10 years. The critical factor is correct patient selection, which is why 3D imaging before surgery is essential.

Will I have a tooth on the day of extraction?

In many immediate implant cases a provisional crown can be fitted the same day. Whether this is possible depends on the implant stability achieved during surgery — specifically the insertion torque, which indicates how firmly the implant is anchored. Your surgeon will confirm at the time of surgery whether same-day provisionalization is appropriate for your case.

Is the procedure more painful than a standard extraction?

Immediate implant placement is performed under local anaesthesia. Most patients report that the combined extraction and implant procedure is not significantly more uncomfortable than a standard extraction alone. Post-operative discomfort is managed with standard pain relief and typically resolves within a few days.

How long does the procedure take?

A single immediate implant procedure typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on the complexity of the extraction and the implant system used. Combined procedures involving multiple extractions and implants take longer and are planned individually.

How do I find out if I am suitable for an immediate implant?

The first step is a free consultation at Asensio, which includes a panoramic OPG X-ray and clinical assessment. A 3D CBCT scan provides the definitive assessment of bone volume and socket anatomy. Call us on 0800 048 8058, email office@dentalasensio.co.uk, or visit our dental implants abroad page.

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