Same-day dental implants are a type of immediate-load implant that allows you to receive an implant and a temporary crown or bridge in a single visit. This guide is for Denver-area adults seeking a faster tooth restoration and considering whether same-day dental implants in Denver, CO, are the right option for them. You’ll learn what immediate-load implants are, how they differ from traditional staged implants, who makes a good candidate, step-by-step what to expect, risks, recovery tips, costs, and insurance basics, questions to ask your dentist, and how to get started.
What Are Same-Day Dental Implants?
Same-day dental implants—also known as immediate-load implants—utilize a titanium implant placed in the jaw and a temporary crown or bridge attached on the same day. Unlike traditional implants that wait months for bone to heal before adding a crown, immediate-load implants aim to restore appearance and basic function immediately. The temporary restoration protects the site while the bone heals and a final crown is made. This approach is most effective when implant stability and bone quality are good.
How Same-Day Implants Differ From Traditional Implants
The main differences are timing and visits. Same-day implants reduce the number of appointments and shorten the time without teeth. Traditional staged implants typically require an extraction, a healing period of several months for bone to integrate, then uncovering and placing a final crown. Healing biology is similar, but immediate-load places early functional demands on the implant. Same-day implants often suit single teeth or hybrid full-arch cases; complex bone loss, infection, or poor bite control usually favor staging.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Oral and overall health
Good candidates have adequate bone volume and density in the area where the implant will be placed, healthy gums, and controlled medical conditions. Patients who smoke heavily or have uncontrolled diabetes face a higher risk of implant failure. Your dentist will review your medical history, assess your gum health, and utilize 3D imaging to evaluate your bone density. If bone grafting or sinus lifts are needed, same-day loading may not be possible.
Expectations and lifestyle
Candidates should have realistic goals: same-day implants restore appearance and basic chewing quickly, but temporary restorations may need adjustment or replacement. Patients must follow soft-diet guidelines and hygiene instructions during the healing process. If you need a fast cosmetic fix and can commit to follow-up care, same-day implants may fit your lifestyle.
Benefits of Same-Day Dental Implants
Benefits include immediate improvement in smile and chewing, fewer surgical visits, and less time feeling self-conscious without teeth. Faster restoration can boost confidence and quality of life. For full-arch patients, same-day workflows can restore function quickly compared to months of wearing temporary prostheses. When case selection and planning are thorough, outcomes can be predictable and comfortable.
Risks and Limitations
Risks include a higher chance of early movement or failure if bone quality or initial implant stability is poor. Temporary restorations are not as durable as final crowns and may need replacement. Bite forces must be managed to avoid overloading the implant. Careful case selection, imaging, and surgical technique can reduce these risks, but some patients may still require traditional staged treatment.
What to Expect: Step-by-Step Procedure
Planning begins with a consultation, medical review, and 3D CBCT imaging, along with digital scans, to determine implant size and position. If extraction is needed, it may occur on the same visit. The surgeon places the implant, achieves initial stability, and attaches a temporary crown or bridge. Digital planning and guided surgical guides help with precision. Follow-up visits check healing and adjust the temporary before making the final lab-made crown or bridge, often using the practice’s in-house lab for faster turnaround.
Recovery and Aftercare
Expect mild to moderate discomfort and swelling for 2–5 days, which can be controlled with pain medication and ice. Stick to a soft diet for several weeks and avoid chewing hard foods on the new tooth. Keep the area clean with gentle rinses and careful brushing. Attend scheduled follow-ups to ensure the team can monitor the integration effectively. Watch for signs of complications, such as increased pain, persistent swelling, fever, or loosening of the implant, and contact your dentist promptly.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing Options
Costs vary depending on the number of implants, the need for bone grafts or extractions, materials, and lab work. Same-day implant cases can be more expensive if advanced imaging, guided surgery, or immediate provisional prostheses are used; however, fewer visits may still save time. Many dental plans have limited coverage for implants. Most practices offer financing, in-house payment plans, or third-party medical/dental financing to spread costs. An individualized estimate is most accurate after imaging and an examination.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Choosing Same-Day Implants
Ask about success rates for immediate-load cases, how many same-day implants they’ve placed, and specific experience with similar situations. Inquire which imaging and planning tools they use (CBCT, digital scans, surgical guides), sedation options, lab workflow, and what warranties or follow-up care are included. Ask how they’ll handle complications and whether staged treatment might be safer for your case.
Why Choose Sloan’s Lake Dental for Same-Day Dental Implants in Denver, CO
Sloan’s Lake Dental offers modern, patient-focused care with advanced planning tools and an in-house dental lab for faster, precise restorations. Dr. Sage Pollack is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and leads implant care with extensive training and expertise. The team includes Dr. Stephanie Flaksman and Dr. Dat Le, who bring surgical and restorative expertise to the practice. Sedation options, iTero digital scanning, CBCT imaging, and a collaborative team approach support predictable same-day implant workflows.
How to Get Started
Call to schedule a consultation. Please bring your medical history, a list of medications, and any recent X-rays, if available. The initial visit will include an exam, digital scans or CBCT imaging as needed, and a treatment plan with cost options and timeline. If same-day dental implants in Denver, CO, are a suitable option, your team will review the next steps, pre-operative instructions, and scheduling so you can move forward with confidence.
