The Truth About Same-Day Extractions and Implants in St. Charles
Everyone loves the idea of walking in with a broken tooth and walking out with a dental implant the same day. It sounds efficient, high-tech, and convenient — and sometimes, it really is.
But here’s the truth most people never hear:
same-day dental implants are a phenomenal option in the right situation… and a costly mistake in the wrong one.
At Teuscher Legacy Dental in St. Charles, IL, we place and restore dental implants every week — including immediate-placement (“same-day”) cases. The key is knowing when it’s the smart move and when patience leads to better long-term success.
What “Same-Day” Actually Means
“Same-day dental implants” (also called immediate implant placement) means the implant is placed at the same appointment as the tooth extraction.
Sometimes a temporary crown or healing cap is attached right away, giving you the appearance of a new tooth while the implant integrates beneath the surface.
That’s very different from “same-day final teeth.” True final restorations still require a healing period — usually several months — for the bone to bond securely to the implant.
So the real question isn’t “Can you place an implant right away?”
It’s “Will that implant heal predictably and last decades?”
Before Extraction
After Extraction, Same Day Implant in root socket
Picture of same day implant and healing cap sticking out of gums
X Ray of final crown over immediate dental implant
✅ When It’s a Genius Move
Same-day implant placement works beautifully when a few key conditions are met:
Healthy bone surrounds the tooth being extracted
No active infection in the gums or bone
Thick, healthy gum tissue for stability and aesthetics
Excellent primary stability (the implant locks in firmly)
Precise digital planning — guided by 3D CBCT imaging
Here’s an example from one of our recent cases (see images above!):
A patient had a broken down front tooth. Because the surrounding bone and gums were perfectly healthy, we used a fully guided surgical approach to remove the tooth and place an implant in the same visit. The patient left with a custom temporary that looked completely natural — and never had to go a single day without a smile. Dr Brayden Teuscher did a much more thorough case breakdown here.
That’s when same-day is a genius move.
❌ When It’s Not Worth the Risk
Not every extraction site is ready for an implant right away. In some cases, placing too soon can actually set you back — leading to bone loss, infection, or implant failure.
We don’t recommend same-day placement when:
There’s infection or abscess near the root
The bone is too thin or fragile to stabilize an implant
Gum tissue is receding or damaged
Sometimes if you smoke or have uncontrolled diabetes
Could an implant technically go in that day? Maybe.
Should it? No.
At Teuscher Legacy Dental, our primary goal isn’t usually to get the implant done fast — it’s to do it right. If we need to rebuild the bone first, that extra healing time protects your long-term success. Of course, we’d go over risks and benefits of each option, because it’s not always black and white!
Why Planning Beats Speed Every Time
Speed means nothing without stability. That’s why we rely on:
3D CBCT imaging to evaluate bone in every dimension
Digital surgical guides for perfect placement
In-house implant surgery and restoration, so every phase aligns under one plan
When you’re working with a team that performs extractions, bone grafts, and implant restorations under one roof, like we do at Teuscher Legacy Dental, every decision serves the long game — not just the quick win.
We can still streamline care when the conditions are right, but never at the expense of the implant’s lifespan.
What to Expect: Cost, Healing & Comfort
In most cases, same-day dental implants cost about the same as traditional implants. The difference mostly lies in timing, not price.
Healing time: Soft tissue typically heals in 2–3 weeks; bone integration takes 3–6 months.
Comfort: With modern anesthesia and guided precision, most patients report less discomfort than expected.
Aesthetics: You’ll often leave with a temporary tooth that looks natural while healing.
When planning correctly, the process is efficient and predictable — not rushed.
Honest Answers to Common Questions
Are same-day implants safe?
Yes — in healthy, well-planned cases. The risk rises when infection or bone loss is ignored.
How long do same-day implants last?
With proper planning and maintenance, the longevity is identical to traditional implants: decades of function and confidence.
Do they hurt more than regular implants?
Not at all. In many cases, recovery feels even easier because we minimize surgical steps and trauma.
The Bottom Line
Same-day dental implants can be a great tool and shorten dental implant timelines! But not if corners are cut.
When the foundation is healthy, they save time and preserve bone. When it’s compromised, waiting — and rebuilding — is the wiser move.
At Teuscher Legacy Dental, our philosophy is simple:
We plan for forever, not just for fast.
But when we can achieve predicatble, long term results with an immediate dental implant, that’s awesome!
If you’ve recently lost a tooth or are facing an extraction, schedule a 3D implant consultation with our team. We’ll show you exactly what your bone looks like, whether same-day placement is possible, and what path gives you the best long-term result.
Teuscher Legacy Dental
40W131 Campton Crossings Dr, St. Charles, IL 60175
📞 (630) 762-0000 | teuscherdental.com
Award-Winning Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in St. Charles IL
