Immediate-Load Dental Implants Cost and Procedure Guide 

Immediate load dental implants, sometimes called “teeth in a day,” are an advanced tooth replacement procedure that offers a fast and convenient way to restore your smile when you have one or more missing teeth. Unlike traditional implants, which require months of healing before placing the permanent crown, immediate load implants allow patients to receive a temporary tooth or teeth the same day as their implant surgery.¹

The result is an immediate improvement in appearance and function, without the long waiting period. For many people, it’s an option that combines efficiency, comfort and restored confidence in one procedure.²

Immediate Load vs. Traditional Dental Implants

An immediate load, or same-day, dental implant is a state-of-the-art dental procedure that allows a temporary prosthetic tooth (crown) or set of teeth (bridge) to be placed on the same day as the implant surgery.³

With traditional implants, patients wait several months for the implant post to fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration, before receiving their crown or bridge. With same-day implants, a temporary replacement is attached immediately, providing the aesthetics and functionality of a complete set of teeth while the implant continues to heal beneath the surface.³

Candidates

Immediate load implants can be ideal for patients with busy schedules who want the convenience of immediate restoration with minimal downtime and who prefer not to wait several months for replacement prosthetics.³

A thorough evaluation that includes 3D imaging and a review of oral and overall health will help your dental professional determine whether you’re a good candidate for immediate load implants or if a traditional implant procedure would provide a better outcome.³

How Much Do Immediate Load Implants Cost?

The national average cost* of immediate load dental implants is $3,255, but the cost can range from $2,506 to $5,953.⁴

Costs may be affected by factors such as the number of implants needed, the type of restoration (a crown or a bridge), the dentist’s experience and expertise, the geographic location of the dental practice, other necessary procedures such as bone grafting or extractions and the materials used to create the prosthetic teeth.⁴

Calculate the costs of immediate load implants near you*

Average cost of same-day implants by state/district

Here is the average cost* of same-day implants for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.⁴

Does Dental Insurance Cover Immediate Load Implants? 

Insurance coverage for immediate load dental implants varies depending on your insurance plan and provider. Generally, dental implants are considered elective procedures and, therefore, not fully covered by standard dental insurance.⁵

However, some policies may cover parts of the procedure that are considered medically necessary, such as tooth extractions, bone grafting due to injury or medical conditions or prosthetic components like the crown that’s placed on top of the implant. Insurance may also cover a portion of the implant cost if teeth were lost due to a congenital condition, injury or illness.⁵

Consult with your dental and medical policies for implant coverage terms as outlined in your insurance plan. 

Getting Same-Day Dental Implants

It's helpful to know what the immediate load dental implant process looks like. Here’s what you might expect before, during and after the procedure:

Preparation

Before the procedure, your dentist will conduct an evaluation of your overall oral health that will likely include imaging and virtual implant placement.³ Damaged or decayed teeth may need to be extracted first.⁶

In some cases, bone grafting or soft tissue treatment may be recommended beforehand to strengthen the jawbone and prepare it to accept the implant.⁵

Procedure

Before surgery, your oral surgeon will administer a local anesthetic. Your mouth will be cleaned, and the surgeon will drill small openings in the jawbone where the implants will be placed. Once positioned, the area is cleaned again, and the surgical sites are sutured to promote proper healing.

After the implants are placed, the abutments, or the connectors that hold the new teeth, are attached.⁶ A temporary crown or bridge is placed to restore appearance and function for three to six months while the bone integrates with the implant through osseointegration.³

Follow-ups

You’ll return for a follow-up visit a few months after the procedure to ensure the implant has fused properly with your jawbone and your bite alignment is correct.⁶ If all is well, your temporary prosthetics will be replaced with permanent crowns or bridges.³

Possible Side-Effects of Immediate Load Implants

Immediate load dental implants are a safe and effective procedure when performed by a qualified implant dentist or oral surgeon.⁶ Implants are typically made from medical-grade titanium or zirconia, materials known for their biocompatibility.¹ When placed correctly and cared for properly, these implants have a 94% to 98% success rate, comparable to traditional implants.³

As with any surgical procedure, some temporary side effects may occur, including swelling or bruising of the gums and face, soreness or pain at the implant site or minor bleeding.⁶

Complications such as infection or implant failure can occur, especially if aftercare instructions are not followed, or if the patient smokes or grinds their teeth.⁶

Recovery Tips

It’s important to follow your dentist’s post-procedure instructions carefully to prevent infections or implant failure.³ Post-operative instructions typically include:

• Oral hygiene. It’s recommended to brush your teeth gently twice a day and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash as directed by your dentist.²
• Diet and eating. It’s advised to avoid hard or sticky foods that may put unnecessary pressure on the new implants. Your dentist may also advise you to eat soft foods for the first few days.³

Keep up with regular follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor your progress and address any issues early.² Most patients can usually return to their normal work and exercise routines within a few days of immediate load implant surgery.²

A Fast Path to an Improved Smile

Immediate load dental implants offer a fast, safe and effective way to restore the look of your smile and the functionality of your teeth for better long-term oral health. With proper care, maintenance and regular check-ups with a dental professional, most patients enjoy long-lasting results and a confident smile.¹ If you’ve been considering dental implants but are put off by the long wait for a final crown, this innovative treatment could be a good fit for you.

Financing Dental Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you’re getting dental implants or you’re simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance and real estate/investing.