Same-day Dental Implants Sydney CBD
Replace what is missing. Permanently.
A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia fixture surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Once integrated with the surrounding bone, it provides a stable foundation for a custom-made replacement tooth.
Here at Pitt Street Dental Centre in Sydney CBD, Dr Michael Cai has personally placed over 3,000 dental implants across more than 18 years of focused implant practice, with Master Clinician training from UCLA. We use Straumann implants exclusively, a Swiss-developed implant system supported by decades of clinical research and extensive international clinical use.
Depending on your clinical circumstances, same-day dental implant treatment may allow us to remove a failing tooth, place an implant, and attach a temporary replacement tooth in one appointment. Your final crown is generally fitted once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone, with treatment typically taking three to six months from consultation to final crown.
More Than a Missing Tooth
You have been working around it for a while. Chewing on one side, covering your mouth when you laugh, turning down photos at dinner. A missing tooth changes more than your smile. It changes how you move through your day.
Many patients spend months or even years considering dental implants before deciding to take the next step. For some, the decision is about restoring confidence. For others, it is about being able to eat comfortably and replace a tooth that has been missing for too long.
Here at Pitt Street Dental Centre, we have built our implant practice around precision, experience, and an environment that feels nothing like a dental surgery. From the moment you walk in, the dimmed lighting, aromatherapy, and lounge-style waiting area set a tone that is closer to a day spa than a treatment room. We want the experience to match the quality of the result.
What Are Same-day Dental Implants?
“Same-day dental implants” covers two different clinical steps, and it helps to understand both before your consultation.
Immediate implant placement
The implant is placed in the same appointment as the tooth extraction, rather than waiting several months for the extraction site to heal first. This can shorten overall treatment time and reduce the number of surgical appointments.
Immediate loading (a same-day temporary tooth)
A provisional tooth is attached to the implant on the day it is placed, so you do not leave with a gap. This temporary tooth is designed for appearance and light function while the implant integrates with the bone.
An implant can be placed immediately without a temporary tooth being fitted on the same day. Whether one or both steps are suitable for you depends on your bone quality, the stability of the implant at placement, your bite forces, any infection around the failing tooth, and your general health.
In every case, your permanent crown is fitted once the implant has fully integrated, usually 8 to 12 weeks later. If same-day treatment is not right for you, we will explain why and recommend a staged approach instead.
What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that we place directly into the jawbone where your natural tooth root used to sit. Over a period of weeks, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a foundation that is as stable as your original tooth root.
Once the implant has fully integrated, we attach a custom-made porcelain crown on top. The result is a replacement tooth designed to look, feel, and function much like a natural tooth. You care for it with brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups, and it allows you to eat with confidence.
We use Straumann implants exclusively here at Pitt Street Dental Centre. Straumann is a premium Swiss-made implant system with over 60 years of clinical research behind it. We chose this system for its high primary stability, which is especially important for our same-day implant cases where we place the implant and a provisional tooth in a single appointment.
Across our team, including Dr Cai, we have placed more than 5,000 implants. That volume of experience means we have seen and managed virtually every clinical scenario, from straightforward single-tooth replacements to complex cases involving bone loss, sinus proximity, or multiple missing teeth.
For patients who prefer a metal-free option, we also offer zirconia implants as an alternative to titanium.
How Do I Know If I Need a Dental Implant?
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth having a conversation with us:
“I have a missing tooth and I am tired of the gap affecting my confidence”
“My bridge is failing and I want a permanent solution that does not involve grinding down healthy teeth”
“I have been wearing a partial denture but it slips, feels bulky, and I want something fixed”
“I lost a tooth in an accident and I want it replaced as soon as possible”
“My dentist told me I need a tooth extracted and I want to know about replacing it immediately”
“I have been putting this off for years because I am nervous about the procedure”
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can gradually lose volume because it no longer receives the stimulation provided by the natural tooth root. Adjacent teeth may also shift over time, potentially affecting your bite and the stability of surrounding teeth. What starts as a simple replacement can become a more involved case over time. That is why we encourage patients to come in for a consultation sooner rather than later, even if you are not ready to commit to treatment straight away.
What Does the Dental Implant Process Look Like at Pitt Street Dental Centre?
01
Consultation and 3D Planning (45 minutes)
Your first appointment is about understanding your situation completely. Dr Cai will examine the area, take a 3D CBCT scan right here in our Sydney CBD practice (no separate radiology appointment needed), and assess your bone density, gum health, and the position of surrounding teeth. You will leave with a clear treatment plan, a written cost estimate, and an honest assessment of whether you are a candidate for same-day placement.
02
Implant Placement (60 to 90 minutes)
On the day of your procedure, we place the Straumann implant into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. For patients who prefer it, we offer twilight sedation or happy gas so you can be completely relaxed throughout. Most patients tell us it is far less uncomfortable than they expected. In suitable cases where bone quality and primary stability allow, we place a provisional tooth on the same day so you do not leave with a gap.
03
Integration Period (8 to 12 weeks)
Over the following weeks, the implant integrates with your jawbone. During this time you go about your normal life. If you have a provisional tooth, it functions and looks natural while the implant heals beneath the surface. We schedule a follow-up to check everything is progressing as planned.
04
Final Crown (60 minutes)
Once integration is complete, we take a digital scan and design your permanent porcelain crown. Using our in-house CEREC technology, we can often fabricate and fit the final crown during this appointment. This is separate from the provisional tooth that may be fitted on the day of implant placement. It is custom-matched to the colour, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth so it blends in smoothly.
05
Ongoing Care
Your implant is now a long-term part of your smile. You care for it the same way you care for your natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups with our team. With appropriate placement, good oral hygiene, and regular professional maintenance, the implant itself may last for decades, although the crown or other components may need maintenance or replacement over time.
Dental Implants vs Bridges vs Dentures: Which Is Right for You?
Dental Implants
Dental Bridge
Partial Denture
How it works
How it worksTitanium post placed in jawbone, topped with porcelain crown
How it worksPorcelain teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth
How it worksRemovable prosthetic held by clasps or suction
Typical longevity
Typical longevity15 to 25+ years
Typical longevity5 to 15 years
Typical longevity5 to 8 years
Bone preservation
Bone preservationHelps preserve jawbone, though some bone loss can still occur
Bone preservationNo, bone continues to resorb
Bone preservationNo, bone continues to resorb
Adjacent teeth affected
Adjacent teeth affectedNo
Adjacent teeth affectedYes, healthy teeth are ground down
Adjacent teeth affectedClasps may wear adjacent teeth
Feels like a natural tooth
Feels like a natural toothClosest to a natural tooth
Feels like a natural toothClose, but connected to other teeth
Feels like a natural toothNo, removable and can shift
Maintenance
MaintenanceBrush and floss normally
MaintenanceSpecial floss threaders needed
MaintenanceRemove and clean daily
Best for
Best forSingle or multiple missing teeth, long-term solution
Best forReplacing 1 to 3 teeth when adjacent teeth already need crowns
Best forBudget-conscious option, multiple missing teeth
These are general estimates rather than guarantees. Actual longevity depends on your individual clinical circumstances, oral hygiene, and maintenance. Contact us for a personalised consultation to determine which option is right for your situation.
What Are the Risks of Dental Implants? What Should I Expect During Recovery?
Dental implant placement is a well-established surgical procedure with a high success rate when performed by an experienced practitioner. Careful 3D planning and extensive implant experience help support predictable outcomes. That said, we believe in being completely transparent about what to expect.
Possible risks (uncommon):
- Infection at the implant site, which may require antibiotics or further treatment
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the lip, chin, or tongue if the implant is placed near a nerve (3D-guided planning reduces, but does not remove, this risk)
- Implant failure to integrate with the bone, occurring in a small number of cases, which may require further treatment or a replacement implant
- Sinus complications for upper jaw implants placed near the sinus cavity
- Minor bone loss around the implant over time, minimised with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups
Recovery considerations:
- Most patients take one to two days off work, though many return the next day
- Mild swelling and bruising around the jaw for three to five days
- Discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief
- Soft diet recommended for the first week
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 to 72 hours
- Full integration with the jawbone takes 8 to 12 weeks, during which you can function normally with a provisional tooth if placed
If anything feels unusual during your recovery, call us on (02) 8000 1832 and we will arrange a follow-up.
Transparent pricing, no surprises
We believe you should know exactly what your implant treatment will cost before you commit. Download our full price list so you can review everything at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with reasonable general health are candidates for dental implants. During your consultation, Dr Cai will assess your bone density using a 3D CBCT scan, review your gum health, and discuss any medical conditions that may affect healing. If bone loss is a concern, we have options including bone grafting and, for severe cases, zygomatic or pterygoid implants, which anchor into denser bone when the upper jawbone is too thin for conventional implants.
How much do dental implants cost in Sydney?
The cost depends on the complexity of your case, including whether bone grafting or additional procedures are needed. We publish a full price list that you can download from this page. After your consultation, you will receive a detailed written quote with no hidden costs. Payment plans are also available.
Will the procedure hurt?
We place implants under local anaesthetic, and most patients tell us they felt less discomfort than they expected. For patients who are anxious or prefer to be more relaxed, we offer happy gas (nitrous oxide) and twilight sedation. You can also choose to have the procedure under general anaesthesia at Westmead Private Hospital or Strathfield Private Hospital, where Dr Cai holds surgical accreditation.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, a well-placed dental implant can last 15 to 25 years or longer. The porcelain crown may need replacing after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear, but the implant itself is designed as a long-term solution. Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding all contribute to longevity.
Can I get a dental implant on the same day as my extraction?
In many cases, yes. We use a one-surgery concept wherever clinically possible. Dr Cai can extract the failing tooth, place the Straumann implant, and in suitable cases fit a provisional tooth, all in one appointment. Not every case qualifies, and we will be honest with you about whether yours does.
What happens if I do nothing?
When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area begins to resorb because it no longer has a root to stimulate it. Over time, this can cause adjacent teeth to shift, alter your bite, and change the contour of your face. The sooner a missing tooth is replaced, the simpler and more predictable the treatment tends to be.
Can I get a dental implant in one day?
In suitable cases, the implant can be placed and a temporary replacement tooth attached in one appointment. Your permanent crown is fitted later, once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone.
Will I leave the practice with a tooth on the same day?
This is possible in selected cases. Whether a provisional tooth can be fitted on the day depends on implant stability, bone quality, your bite, and other clinical factors, which Dr Cai will assess during your consultation.
Is same-day dental implant treatment more expensive?
The cost depends on the treatment you need, the type of restoration, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are required. Same-day treatment is not automatically more or less expensive than a staged approach. You will receive a written quote after your consultation.
What happens if I am not suitable for same-day dental implants?
We will recommend a staged approach instead. This usually means placing the implant, allowing a healing period for it to integrate with the bone, and then fitting your final crown. Many patients who are not suitable for same-day treatment are still good candidates for dental implants.
Payment Plans
Why Choose Pitt Street Dental Centre for Dental Implants in Sydney?
3,000+ implants placed by one dentist
With more than 3,000 dental implants personally placed and restored over 18+ years of focused implant practice, and Master Clinician training from UCLA, Dr Michael Cai brings extensive experience to both straightforward and complex implant cases.
Advanced surgical experience in a comfortable environment
Dr Cai holds surgical accreditation at both Westmead Private Hospital and Strathfield Private Hospital. Complex cases and patients who prefer general anaesthesia can be managed in a fully equipped hospital theatre. For routine cases, our Sydney CBD practice offers the same precision in a calm, spa-inspired environment designed around your comfort.
Premium Swiss implants, no shortcuts
We use Straumann implants exclusively. We do not stock budget or generic implant systems. Every patient receives the same premium system supported by decades of clinical research.
Same-day teeth in suitable cases
Our one-surgery concept means that in many cases you can have a tooth extracted, an implant placed, and a provisional tooth fitted in a single appointment. You leave with a tooth, not a gap.
We tell you the truth
Not every patient is a candidate for every approach. If same-day placement is not right for your case, we will tell you why and explain the alternative. You will always receive a written treatment plan with transparent pricing before any work begins.
INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION
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What is The Difference Between Immediate Load and Delayed Load Implants
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Author Attribution:
Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Cai, BDSc (Hons) WA MRACDS (GDP) – July 2026
Medical Disclaimer:
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment outcomes vary between individuals. All surgical procedures carry risks. Please consult Dr Michael Cai or one of our qualified dentists at Pitt Street Dental Centre for personalised advice about your dental health.
