Immediate Implants: Replacing a Tooth the Same Day for Faster Healing and Better Results

If you’ve ever been told you need a tooth removed, your mind probably jumps to one big question: How long will it take to get my smile back? For many patients, the idea of waiting months between extraction and replacement feels overwhelming. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers an advanced solution that can dramatically shorten that timeline—immediate implants.

At Cornerstone Dental Center, Dr. Don Tatalovich and his team help patients restore their smiles with innovative implant techniques, including same-day (or immediate) implant placement when appropriate. Let’s walk through what immediate implants are, why they matter, and how they may benefit you.

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What Is an Immediate Implant?

In a traditional dental implant process, a damaged or failing tooth is first removed. Then, you wait several months for the bone and gums to heal before an implant is placed. After that, you wait again for the implant to fully fuse with the bone before a crown can be attached. The entire process can take anywhere from three months to over a year.

An immediate implant changes that timeline. If conditions are right, the tooth is removed and the dental implant is placed into the jawbone during the same appointment. Rather than waiting for healing before the implant, healing happens around the implant as it integrates into the bone.

This approach means:

• Fewer surgical appointments
  
  
• Less total healing time
  
  
• A quicker path back to a complete smile
  
  

Why Immediate Implants Are a Game-Changer

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to shrink. This process, called bone resorption, can cause changes in facial shape, gum appearance, and overall oral health. One advantage of immediate implants is that they help preserve the natural structure of your mouth.

By placing the implant right away, the dentist is able to:

• Maintain bone volume in the area
  
  
• Better control implant position
  
  
• Reduce the risk of future bone loss
  
  
• Often improve the final appearance of the crown
  
  

Immediate implants can also mean a much more efficient journey overall. Instead of months of waiting between procedures, many steps are combined into one streamlined process.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Immediate implants are a powerful solution, but they’re not right for every situation. A thorough exam is the key first step in deciding if you’re a candidate.

Generally speaking, you may be a good fit if:

• You have healthy surrounding bone
  
  
• The infection around the tooth is minimal or controlled
  
  
• You are in good overall health
  
  
• Your gums are healthy
  
  
• You do not grind or clench excessively (or it can be managed)
  
  

Advanced imaging, including digital X-rays or 3D scans, allows the dental team to examine your bone density and anatomy with precision. These tools help ensure that the implant can be placed safely and predictably.

Immediate Implants vs. Traditional Implants

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the two approaches compare:

Traditional Implant Process

1. Tooth is removed
   
   
2. Area heals for several months
   
   
3. Implant is placed
   
   
4. More healing occurs
   
   
5. Crown is attached
   
   

Immediate Implant Process

1. Tooth is removed
   
   
2. Implant is placed during the same visit
   
   
3. Healing begins immediately around the implant
   
   
4. Crown is placed later once integration is complete
   
   

The difference comes down to efficiency and control. Immediate implants allow your dentist to manage how the bone heals around the implant from the very beginning—often resulting in better long-term outcomes.

What Happens at a Same-Day Implant Appointment?

If you’re a candidate, the experience is surprisingly straightforward.

First, the area is gently numbed to keep you comfortable. The damaged tooth is carefully removed. Next, the implant is placed directly into the jawbone. A bone graft is often added around the implant to help preserve the socket shape and encourage strong healing.

Because everything happens during one surgical appointment, patients appreciate:

• Less overall disruption to their schedule
  
  
• Reduced anxiety from avoiding multiple surgeries
  
  
• Faster progress toward final restoration
  
  

Many patients are surprised to report that discomfort is often less than they expected. In fact, it’s common to hear feedback like:

“That was easier than I imagined.”
“It healed faster than I thought it would.”
“It wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable as I expected.”

The Role of Modern Technology

Today’s implant dentistry is more precise than ever thanks to advanced digital tools. At Cornerstone Dental Center, implants are often planned using 3D imaging and digital design software, allowing for exceptional accuracy.

One standout technology is the surgical guide. This 3D-printed guide ensures the implant is placed at the perfect depth, angle, and position—tailored specifically to your anatomy.

Another advantage? The crown that goes on top of the implant can often be designed and milled in-house, rather than being sent to an outside laboratory. This gives your dentist full control over the appearance, fit, and quality of your final tooth.

A Natural-Looking Result

The ultimate goal of any dental implant is simple: to replace your missing tooth so naturally that no one can tell the difference.

Immediate implant placement often improves cosmetic outcomes because:

• Gum tissue is preserved
  
  
• Bone shape remains stable
  
  
• Crown placement is easier to design naturally
  
  
• Your smile maintains its natural proportions
  
  

Whether your focus is chewing comfort, aesthetics, or both, immediate implants offer a strong option for patients who want a solution that looks as good as it feels.

How to Get Started

If you’re missing a tooth—or expect to lose one—the best time to explore your options is before extraction. Early planning gives you the widest range of treatment choices, including immediate placement.

Your consultation typically includes:

• A conversation about your goals
  
  
• Digital scans and imaging
  
  
• An oral health evaluation
  
  
• A personalized treatment plan
  
  

Every patient is different. Your plan should reflect not just your dental condition, but also your long-term goals and lifestyle needs.

Discover Your Best Smile in Hayden

Immediate implants represent one of the most exciting advancements in modern dentistry. By replacing a tooth the same day it’s removed, this approach combines efficiency, technology, and patient comfort into one powerful solution.

If faster healing, fewer appointments, and a more natural-looking result sound appealing, immediate implants may be worth exploring. The best next step is a consultation at our Hayden office to determine whether this option fits your unique situation.

A restored smile doesn’t have to mean months of waiting—and with modern implant care, it doesn’t have to. We can’t wait to treat you soon!