Can fixed temporary teeth be fitted in the same session as implants?

In this short video Dr. Dt. Kıvanç Türkoğlu answers whether a tooth can be fitted on an implant on the day it is placed. The article below explains which conditions this decision depends on and why the tooth fitted that day is temporary.

What the video covers

• In the past, teeth were not fitted on implants until they had bonded with the bone.
• The bonding period is still respected today, but in certain cases a fixed temporary tooth can be fitted in the same session.
• This requires suitable bone and an implant chosen for the situation.
• The tooth used during this period is fixed but temporary.

Why is there a waiting period?

After placement, the surrounding bone remodels over several months and attaches to the implant surface. Too much movement of the implant during this time can disturb bonding. The traditional approach therefore keeps the implant free of load while it heals.

Fitting a tooth on the same day does not shorten this biological process. What changes is that a fixed temporary tooth is in the mouth during healing.

When is it possible?

The key measure is primary stability, which describes how firmly the implant sits in the bone at the moment of placement. The clinician measures it during surgery. If it is adequate, a temporary tooth on the same day may be considered.

Bone density, the number and distribution of implants, whether several implants can be joined by the temporary bridge and the absence of infection also affect the decision. A strong clenching habit counts against it. If conditions are not met, the implants are left to heal without load. Often this decision can only be finalised during surgery.

Immediate loading and immediate restoration

The two terms are often confused. With immediate loading, a tooth that meets the opposing teeth is attached within the first week. With immediate restoration, a temporary tooth is fitted but adjusted so that it does not touch the opposing teeth.

For a single missing tooth, especially at the front, keeping the temporary tooth out of contact is a common approach. In a full arch, the implants are joined by the fixed temporary bridge, which spreads the load over a wider area. This approach for an edentulous jaw is explained in the All-on-4 and All-on-6 section.

The first weeks with temporary teeth

Fixed temporary teeth help with appearance and speech. Even so, soft food is advised in the first weeks to protect the healing implants. Avoid biting hard-shelled food and chewing forcefully on the temporary teeth. Your clinician will tell you at check-ups when to return to a normal diet.

The underside of the temporary bridge and the area around the implants are cleaned gently every day. Check-ups review how the temporary teeth fit and meet.

Who may not be suitable?

Poorly controlled diabetes, heavy smoking, active infection at the site or very soft bone can raise the risk of same-day teeth. In such cases letting the implants heal without load first may be the safer route.

Same-day teeth can also be planned together with placing an implant in the same session as an extraction. Whether this combined plan is suitable depends on the socket walls and the presence of infection.

When is the final tooth made?

A tooth fitted on the same day lets you go through healing with fixed teeth. Once bonding is complete, impressions are taken and the final tooth is made. This time varies with the bone and jaw and is usually a few months.

Whether these conditions apply to you is assessed with an examination and a CT scan. The general framework is in the dental implant surgery section.

Frequently asked

Can same-day teeth be promised in advance?

Usually not. A plan can be made, but the final decision depends on implant stability measured during surgery.

Is the tooth fitted on the same day permanent?

No, it is temporary. The final tooth is made after the implants have bonded with the bone.

Can a single tooth also get a same-day temporary?

If conditions allow, yes. The temporary tooth is then usually adjusted so it does not touch the opposing teeth.

Related section and videos

• Section on the expertise page: All-on-4 and All-on-6 (fixed teeth on implants)
• What is All-on-X treatment?
• How is the number of implants decided?
• How long do implant and bridge treatment take?
• What is a dental implant and what are the stages of treatment?

This information is for general guidance and does not replace an examination. Rapidly spreading facial swelling or difficulty swallowing or breathing is an emergency. Go to a hospital emergency department.