Why It Can Be Difficult to Find Same-Day Dental Implant Placement

As a Winter Park dentist, one of the most frequent questions patients ask is:

“Why is it so hard to find an oral surgeon who will place an implant and bone graft on the same day?”

The idea of same-day implants makes sense—fewer appointments, faster results, and less time in the chair. Some practices even highlight “teeth in a day” in their advertising. But when patients start looking for this option locally, they’re often surprised to find it’s not offered as commonly as they expected.

This isn’t due to a lack of capable oral surgeons in our area. In fact, Winter Park and the Orlando area are home to many highly skilled specialists. The difference lies in the biology of healing and in setting patients up for the best long-term success.

Why Same-Day Implants Aren’t Always Possible

1. Bone Quality Matters

Dental implants need to be supported by strong, healthy bone. If the bone has weakened or shrunk after tooth loss, a bone graft is usually recommended to rebuild that foundation. In cases of mild bone loss, some surgeons may safely place an implant and bone graft together. But in many cases, the bone simply isn’t strong enough to hold an implant securely right away.

2. Healing Takes Time

Bone grafts require a healing period—commonly 3 to 6 months—to fully integrate with the natural jawbone. Attempting to place an implant before this process has progressed enough raises the risk of implant failure. Even the most experienced surgeon cannot accelerate the body’s healing timeline.

3. Patient-Specific Factors

Every mouth is different. A patient’s bone density, medical history, oral hygiene, and even daily habits all affect whether same-day implant placement is predictable. For some, it’s a safe option. For others, a staged approach provides far better odds of long-term success.

Why You Don’t See It Advertised as Often Locally

Some patients notice that same-day implant procedures are advertised more prominently in other cities or countries. Locally, oral surgeons tend to be more selective about when this approach is used. That doesn’t mean they can’t do it—it simply means they’re cautious about offering it only when the patient’s condition makes it a good fit.

This careful approach helps avoid the disappointment of a failed implant, and instead ensures your restoration has the best chance of lasting a lifetime.

The “Do It Right the First Time” Philosophy

Dental implants are an investment in your health, comfort, and confidence. While it’s understandable to want the process completed as quickly as possible, what matters most is that the implant succeeds long term.

By giving a bone graft the time it needs to heal before placing the implant, surgeons are essentially strengthening the foundation before building on top of it. Think of it like building a house—you wouldn’t want the roof placed on concrete that hasn’t hardened yet.

Taking the time to follow each step properly gives patients the best chance of having a restoration that lasts decades.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering why same-day dental implants are harder to find in Winter Park, the answer is simple: it’s about biology, not surgeon skill. Same-day procedures can be appropriate in select cases, but they aren’t the safest choice for everyone.

The oral surgeons we collaborate with are focused on giving patients implants that last—not just implants that go in quickly. That’s why, for many patients, a staged approach is recommended.

At our Winter Park dental office, we’re committed to helping you understand all your options and guiding you toward the treatment plan that gives you the best long-term success. If you’re interested in implants, we’ll evaluate your bone health and connect you with trusted specialists who can determine whether same-day placement is right for you.