Have you been told that a tooth extraction is necessary because of dental decay, an injury to the mouth or jaw, or another oral health problem? Dentists will always try to find a way around removing one or more teeth, but it’s sometimes necessary to preserve the health of your other teeth. Fortunately, there are several options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants tend to be the preferred method because they provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth and can last many years if properly cared for. How soon after your tooth extraction should you get an implant? Read on to find out.
How Long Should You Wait Before Undergoing Dental Implant Surgery?
The among of time between your extraction and implant placement depends on several different factors. Usually, you can expect one of the following to occur:
Immediate Implant Placement
If your gum tissue is healthy overall, and you have sufficient jawbone structure, your dentist can place your implant immediately after your extractions. This may be the case if you are losing your tooth thanks to trauma or injury. Over the next three to six months, the fusion process, also known as osseointegration, takes place. Once this occurs, you will be ready to have your permanent crown attached.
Early Implant Placement
In this case, the dental implant placement occurs two to three months after your extraction. The reason for this delay is to allow for the damaged gums and supporting tissue to heal before implant placement. As much as half of bone resorption can occur within the first three months after an extraction, so having the implant placed as soon as possible is super important.
Delayed Implant Placement
If you have had a decaying tooth for a long period of time, it’s likely that your gums and supporting tissue aren’t in the best shape. You may have even already started experiencing bone loss. When this occurs, you might require a bone graft to provide enough bone stability to support a dental implant. Bone graft procedures require three to six months of healing before dental implant placement is an option. Once the implant is placed, another three to six months are needed before the prosthetic can be attached to it.
If you’re considering getting a dental implant after your extraction, talk to your dentist. This way, you can put together a treatment plan that best meets your needs.
About the Author
Dr. John N. Munsey earned his dental doctorate from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, New Hampshire Dental Society, New England Dental Society, and SPEAR Education. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Lebanon, visit his website or call (603) 643-4362.