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Same-day dental implants — also called immediate implant placement — means receiving a dental implant on the same day as tooth extraction, in a single surgical visit. Charlotte Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC offers same-day implant placement for qualifying patients. Dr. Rush Sunar, DMD places the titanium implant directly into the extraction socket immediately after removing the damaged tooth, eliminating the need for a separate surgery weeks or months later. This reduces total treatment time, reduces the number of surgical procedures, and in many cases allows patients to leave with a temporary tooth the same day. Free consultations available at (704) 375-4252.

How Same-Day Implants Work

In a traditional implant timeline, the damaged tooth is extracted first, the site heals for 3 to 6 months, and then the implant is placed in a second surgical appointment. With immediate placement, Dr. Sunar combines extraction and implant placement into one visit.

Here is what a same-day implant appointment looks like at Charlotte Dental Implant Center:

Step 1 — Evaluation and imaging: Dr. Sunar examines the tooth and takes a cone-beam CT scan to assess the bone around the extraction site. This determines whether immediate placement is safe and predictable for your specific case.

Step 2 — Extraction: The damaged or failing tooth is carefully removed under local anesthesia. The extraction technique preserves as much surrounding bone as possible to support the implant.

Step 3 — Implant placement: A titanium implant is placed directly into the fresh extraction socket. If there are gaps between the implant and the socket walls, bone graft material is placed to fill those gaps and promote complete integration.

Step 4 — Temporary restoration: In many cases, a temporary crown or prosthesis is attached to the implant the same day, so the patient leaves with a tooth in place. The temporary remains while the implant osseointegrates (fuses with the bone) over 3 to 6 months, after which the permanent crown is placed.

Benefits of Same-Day Implants

Fewer surgical procedures: One surgery instead of two means less time in the chair, less anesthesia, and one recovery period instead of two.

Shorter overall treatment time: Eliminating the 3 to 6 month healing gap between extraction and implant placement can reduce total treatment time significantly.

Bone preservation: Placing the implant immediately prevents the bone resorption that begins as soon as a tooth is removed. The implant provides immediate stimulation to the bone.

Never without a tooth: When a temporary crown is placed the same day, patients are never seen without a tooth in the visible zone — an important consideration for front teeth.

Who Qualifies for Same-Day Implants?

Not every case is appropriate for immediate placement. Dr. Sunar evaluates each patient individually using cone-beam CT imaging. Ideal candidates for same-day implants typically have:

• Sufficient bone volume surrounding the extraction site

• No active infection at the tooth being extracted

• Adequate bone density to achieve primary stability of the implant

• Good overall health with no uncontrolled systemic conditions

• Non-smoker or willing to stop smoking during healing

If immediate placement is not appropriate for your case, Dr. Sunar will recommend the safest and most predictable alternative timeline. In some cases, a socket preservation bone graft is placed at the time of extraction to prepare the site for implant placement 3 to 4 months later.

Same-Day Implants vs Same-Day Teeth

It is important to understand the distinction between same-day implant placement and same-day teeth. Same-day implant placement means the implant is placed on the same day as extraction. A temporary crown may or may not be attached the same day depending on whether the implant achieves sufficient primary stability. The permanent crown is always placed after osseointegration is complete, typically 3 to 6 months later. Some marketing uses “same-day teeth” or “teeth in a day” loosely — at Charlotte Dental Implant Center, Dr. Sunar will explain exactly what to expect for your specific case during the free consultation.

Recovery After Same-Day Implants

Recovery from same-day implant placement is similar to recovery from a standard extraction. Patients may experience mild pain, swelling, and minor bleeding for 1 to 3 days, manageable with over-the-counter medications and ice therapy. Most patients return to normal activities within 1 to 2 days. Dr. Sunar provides detailed post-operative instructions and gives patients his direct phone number for any questions during recovery.

Need a Tooth Extracted? Ask About Same-Day Implant Placement

Dr. Sunar will evaluate whether immediate implant placement is right for your case. Free consultation includes cone-beam CT scan.Call (704) 375-4252

Yes — most patients with bone loss can still get dental implants. Bone loss does not automatically disqualify you from implant treatment. Charlotte Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC offers several solutions for patients with insufficient jawbone, including bone grafting to rebuild the area before implant placement, sinus lift surgery for upper jaw deficiencies, and the All-on-4 technique which uses angled implants to maximize contact with available bone and often eliminates the need for grafting entirely. Dr. Rush Sunar, DMD evaluates bone volume and density using on-site cone-beam CT scanning during a free consultation. Call (704) 375-4252 to schedule.

Why Does Bone Loss Happen?

Jawbone requires stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its volume and density. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone in that area begins to resorb (shrink) because it no longer receives that stimulation. This process is called disuse atrophy and it begins within weeks of tooth loss.

The most common causes of jawbone loss include:

Tooth extraction without replacement: The longer a tooth has been missing, the more bone loss has occurred. Patients who lost teeth years or decades ago often have significant resorption.

Periodontal (gum) disease: Advanced gum disease destroys the bone that supports teeth, often resulting in both tooth loss and bone loss simultaneously.

Long-term denture wear: Removable dentures sit on top of the gums without stimulating the underlying bone. Denture wearers experience progressive bone loss that worsens over time, eventually causing facial collapse and increasingly poor denture fit.

Trauma or injury: Fractures or injuries to the jaw can result in localized bone loss in the affected area.

How Bone Loss Is Diagnosed

Bone loss cannot be assessed by visual examination alone. Charlotte Dental Implant Center uses on-site cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanning to create three-dimensional images of the jawbone, revealing the exact height, width, and density of bone at each potential implant site. This scan is included at no charge as part of the free consultation. Dr. Sunar uses this imaging to determine whether bone volume is sufficient for direct implant placement or whether a bone augmentation procedure is needed first.

Solution 1: Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds jawbone volume by placing bone material (graft) into the deficient area. The graft integrates with the existing bone over several months, creating a solid foundation for implant placement.

Types of bone grafts include:

Socket preservation graft: Placed immediately after tooth extraction to prevent bone loss at the extraction site. This is the most common type and often allows implant placement 3 to 4 months later.

Ridge augmentation graft: Rebuilds the width or height of the jawbone ridge when significant resorption has already occurred. Healing time is typically 4 to 6 months before implant placement.

Block bone graft: Used for large defects where a block of bone is secured to the jaw to rebuild substantial volume. Healing time is typically 4 to 6 months.

Solution 2: Sinus Lift Surgery

When upper back teeth are missing, the maxillary sinus can expand downward into the space previously occupied by the tooth roots, leaving insufficient bone height for implant placement. A sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation) gently lifts the sinus membrane and places bone graft material beneath it to create adequate bone height. After healing (typically 4 to 6 months), implants can be placed in the augmented area. In some cases, implants can be placed simultaneously with the sinus lift procedure.

Solution 3: All-on-4 Angled Implants

The All-on-4 technique was specifically designed to work with patients who have bone loss. The posterior implants are placed at an angle (typically 30 to 45 degrees) to maximize contact with the denser bone available in the front of the jaw. This angulation often eliminates the need for bone grafting entirely — even in patients with moderate to significant bone loss — because it engages more of the existing bone than a vertically placed implant would. This is one of the major advantages of All-on-4 over traditional implant approaches for patients with compromised bone.

What If You Were Told You Can’t Get Implants?

If you were previously told you are not a candidate for dental implants due to bone loss, it is worth seeking a second opinion from a specialist who regularly treats patients with compromised bone. Advances in bone grafting techniques, sinus lift procedures, and angled im

All-on-4 dental implants are better than traditional dentures for most patients in terms of comfort, function, longevity, and jawbone preservation. All-on-4 implants are fixed in place, restore approximately 90% of natural biting force, and can last a lifetime with proper care. Traditional removable dentures restore only about 25% of biting force, require adhesive, slip during eating and speaking, and accelerate jawbone loss over time. However, dentures cost significantly less upfront. Charlotte Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC offers both options and Dr. Rush Sunar, DMD helps each patient choose the solution that fits their clinical needs and budget. Free consultations available at (704) 375-4252.

What Are Traditional Dentures?

Traditional dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that sit on top of the gums. They are held in place by suction, adhesive paste, or a combination of both. Dentures must be removed nightly for cleaning and to allow the gum tissue to rest. Over time, the jawbone beneath dentures resorbs (shrinks) because it no longer receives stimulation from tooth roots, causing the dentures to fit progressively worse and requiring periodic relining or replacement every 5 to 10 years.

What Is All-on-4?

All-on-4 (also called All-on-X) is a full-arch dental implant procedure that uses four or more titanium implants per arch to support a fixed set of prosthetic teeth. The prosthesis is permanently attached to the implants and is not removable by the patient. All-on-4 teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implants integrate with the jawbone through osseointegration, which preserves bone volume and prevents the facial collapse associated with long-term denture use.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Traditional Dentures

All-on-4 Implants

Biting Force

~25% of natural

~90% of natural

Removable?

Yes — daily removal required

No — fixed permanently

Adhesive Needed?

Yes

No

Bone Preservation

No — bone loss continues

Yes — stimulates bone

Lifespan

5–10 years

Lifetime with proper care

Slipping/Clicking

Common

Never

Upfront Cost

Lower ($2,000–$5,000)

Higher ($15,000–$40,000)

The Hidden Cost of Dentures

While dentures cost less upfront, the long-term costs often exceed the cost of implants. Dentures require replacement every 5 to 10 years, periodic relining as the jawbone changes shape, daily adhesive purchases, and special cleaning solutions. Over 20 years, a patient may spend $10,000 to $20,000 on denture replacements and maintenance — approaching or exceeding the one-time cost of All-on-4 implants that last a lifetime. Additionally, the progressive jawbone loss caused by dentures can eventually make implant placement more difficult and expensive if the patient decides to switch later.

Who Should Choose All-on-4?

All-on-4 is the better choice for patients who want permanent teeth that feel natural, patients who are frustrated with slipping or uncomfortable dentures, patients who want to eat any food without restriction, and patients concerned about facial collapse from bone loss. The angled implant technique often allows placement even in patients with moderate bone loss, reducing or eliminating the need for bone grafting.

When Are Dentures the Right Choice?

Dentures may be appropriate for patients with budget constraints that prevent implant treatment, patients with medical conditions that contraindicate surgery, or patients who prefer a non-surgical option. Charlotte Dental Implant Center also offers implant-supported snap-in overdentures — a middle-ground option that uses two to four implants to stabilize a removable denture, eliminating the need for adhesive and significantly improving retention and comfort at a lower cost than full fixed All-on-4.

Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?

Dr. Rush Sunar will evaluate your case and explain all options — including costs — during a free consultation with cone-beam CT scan.Call (704) 375-4252

The cost of dental implants in Charlotte, NC ranges from approximately $1,500 to $6,000 per single implant depending on whether extraction, bone grafting, or sinus lift procedures are required. All-on-4 full-arch rehabilitation ranges from approximately $15,000 to $40,000 per arch depending on the type of prosthesis selected. Charlotte Dental Implant Center, led by Dr. Rush Sunar, DMD, offers free consultations that include a complete oral evaluation and cone-beam CT scan at no charge, so patients receive an exact cost specific to their case before committing to treatment. Call (704) 375-4252 to schedule.

What Factors Affect Dental Implant Cost?

No two dental implant cases are identical. The total cost depends on several factors specific to each patient:

Number of implants needed: Replacing one missing tooth requires one implant. Replacing multiple teeth may require multiple implants, or fewer implants supporting a bridge.

Extraction requirements: If the damaged tooth is still in place, extraction adds to the procedure but Charlotte Dental Implant Center offers immediate implant placement at the time of extraction, combining two procedures into one visit.

Bone grafting: Patients with insufficient jawbone volume due to resorption or long-term tooth loss may need bone grafting before or during implant placement to rebuild the area.

Sinus lift: Upper jaw implants near the sinus cavity may require a sinus lift procedure to create sufficient bone height.

Type of prosthesis: A single porcelain crown costs less than a full-arch zirconia prosthesis. All-on-4 patients choose between snap-in overdentures (most affordable), fixed PMMA provisionals, and premium zirconia finals.

Cost Breakdown by Procedure Type

Single Dental Implant (implant + abutment + crown): $1,500 – $6,000

Implant-Supported Bridge (2 implants + bridge): $4,000 – $12,000

All-on-4 Snap-In Overdenture (per arch): $15,000 – $20,000

All-on-4 Fixed PMMA (per arch): $18,000 – $28,000

All-on-4 Zirconia Final (per arch): $25,000 – $40,000

Bone Grafting: $500 – $3,000 depending on area

Sinus Lift: $1,500 – $3,000 per side

Note: These are general ranges. Your actual cost will be discussed during your free consultation based on your specific case. Charlotte Dental Implant Center offers financing options.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

Dental implants have the highest long-term value of any tooth replacement option. While the upfront cost is higher than dentures or bridges, implants can last a lifetime with proper care — compared to 5 to 10 years for removable dentures and 10 to 15 years for traditional bridges, both of which require replacement at additional cost. Implants also prevent jawbone resorption, preserve facial structure, and restore approximately 90% of natural biting force compared to 25% with conventional dentures.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants in North Carolina?

Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of dental implant treatment, though coverage varies significantly between plans. Many plans cover the crown portion but not the surgical implant placement. Medical insurance may cover implants when tooth loss resulted from an accident or medical condition. Charlotte Dental Implant Center can help you understand your specific coverage during your consultation. For patients without insurance or with limited coverage, financing options are available.

How to Get an Exact Price for Your Case

The only way to know the exact cost of your dental implant treatment is a clinical evaluation. Charlotte Dental Implant Center offers free consultations that include a complete oral examination, cone-beam CT scan, and a detailed treatment plan with specific costs — all at no charge and no obligation. Dr. Rush Sunar personally conducts every consultation. Call (704) 375-4252 or visit the practice at 2809 Coltsgate Road, Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28211.

Get Your Free Dental Implant Cost Estimate

Free consultation includes oral exam, cone-beam CT scan, and detailed cost breakdown for your specific case.Call (704) 375-4252