In short: yes, the "same-day" dental implant exists and works. It is called immediate loading: the implant and a temporary crown are placed on the same day. But this technique is not indicated for every patient: it requires strict conditions (good-quality bone, primary stability, no grafting) and a rigorous protocol. Here is how to find out whether you are a candidate.
What exactly is immediate loading?
Traditionally, implant treatment is carried out in two stages: the titanium root (the implant) is first placed in the bone, then you wait 2 to 4 months for the bone to integrate around the implant (the osseointegration phase) before fitting the final crown.
With immediate loading, these two stages are merged: the implant is placed AND receives a temporary crown on the same day. The final crown is fitted 3 to 6 months later, once the bone has fully healed.
The patient therefore leaves the practice with a functional, visible tooth, which explains the enthusiasm for this technique.
Who is it indicated for?
Immediate loading requires specific conditions. You are a good candidate if:
- The bone is of good quality and sufficient volume: no prior bone graft needed
- The implant's primary stability is strong: the implant must be "locked" in the bone from the moment it is placed (measured by an insertion torque of ≥ 35 N·cm)
- The occlusion is favourable: the temporary crown must not be subjected to excessive forces during healing
- You do not smoke (or are willing to stop temporarily): tobacco greatly reduces the success rate
- You do not have severe bruxism (night-time teeth grinding)
Who is it contraindicated for?
Immediate loading is not recommended in the following cases:
- Insufficient bone volume requiring a prior bone graft
- Low-density bone (particularly in the upper rear maxilla)
- Active untreated periodontitis
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Heavy smoking with no possibility of quitting
- Severe unmanaged bruxism
- Use of medication affecting bone healing (bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants)
In these situations, we revert to the classic delayed loading approach (3-6 months), which remains extremely reliable and widely proven.
Comparative success rate
Clinical studies published between 2018 and 2024 on immediate loading give convergent results:
- 5-year success rate: 94-97% with immediate loading, versus 96-98% with delayed loading
- Failure with unmanaged bruxism: x3 vs standard cases
- Failure in smokers > 10 cigarettes/day: x2 vs non-smokers
The reliability gap remains minimal when the indications are properly respected, hence the importance of the selection phase.
The special case: All-on-4 and full-mouth rehabilitations
For fully edentulous patients (all teeth missing or to be extracted), the All-on-4 protocol is the most advanced version of immediate loading: 4 implants per jaw support a complete fixed dental arch, fitted the same day.
The patient arrives edentulous or with teeth beyond saving, and leaves in the evening with fixed, aesthetic teeth. It is now a global benchmark for rapid oral rehabilitation.
The protocol at Dental Harmonia
If you are a candidate for immediate loading, here is how it works:
- Initial consultation: clinical examination, 3D scan, assessment of bone quality and occlusion, photos.
- Digital planning: we virtually design the implant position and the temporary crown.
- The day itself: implant placement under local anaesthesia (60-90 minutes), impression taking, fitting of the temporary crown the same day.
- 3 to 6 months later: replacement of the temporary crown with the final ceramic or zirconia crown.
The procedure is painless (local anaesthesia, conscious sedation available for anxious patients). Post-operative effects: moderate swelling for 24-48 h, soft diet for 7-10 days.
Conclusion: not a promise, an indication
The same-day implant is not a marketing shortcut but a genuine clinical technique, perfectly mastered when the indications are respected. If it is offered to you without a prior assessment, run. If it is explained to you after a scan and a thorough examination, it is probably the right choice.
To find out whether you are a candidate, book a free consultation with a 3D scan: WhatsApp +972 58 702 09 14, 03-760-9000, or the online form.
