Not sure how long you have to wait before having implants after having extractions (I've heard they can do it at the same session?). The actual process sounds quite gruesome (for want of a better word), but if done correctly it's quite painless. I had mine done in Budapest, at half the price they charge here.
A cheaper option would be to have a bridge. This is a false tooth that is held in place by being attached to a tooth next to it (around the back of the tooth so that it can't be seen). I have a bridge an it's exactly the same colour as the rest of my teeth and doesn't look as though it's false.