Do you need to have one of your teeth extracted due to decay, injury, or another oral health issue? A tooth extraction is never your dentist’s first choice, but sometimes pulling a tooth is a necessary step to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. The good news is that dental implants are available to replace the entirety of your missing teeth, not just the chewing surfaces. Continue reading to learn how long you need to wait after your extraction before you can get a dental implant.
How Long Should You Wait Before Getting a Dental Implant?
The amount of time that you should wait before your extraction and dental implant surgery depends on multiple factors. In most cases, one of the following situations can be expected.
Immediate Dental Implant Placement
If you have healthy gum tissue and a sufficient jawbone, your dentist may be able to place your dental implant right away after your extraction. This could be the case if you are losing your tooth as a result of an injury or accident. Over the next three to six months, the fusion process, also called “osseointegration,” takes place. Then, you will be ready to have your abutments and restoration attached.
Early Dental Implant Placement
In this case, the dental implant placement procedure occurs about two to three months after your extraction. The reason for this decay is to allow for the damaged gum tissue and other supporting tissue to heal before the dental implants are placed. As much as half of bone resorption can occur within the first three months after an extraction, so having the dental implant placed as soon as possible is crucial.
Delayed Dental Implant Placement
If your tooth has been decayed for a long time, your gums and supporting tissue might not be in the best shape. You could have even already started experiencing bone loss. When this happens, you might require a bone graft to give you enough bone stability to support the dental implant. Bone graft procedures usually require about three to six months of healing before dental implant placement is a viable option. Once the dental implant is placed, another three to six months are necessary before your restoration can be delivered.
If you need a tooth extraction, talk to your dentist about your tooth replacement options. This way, you can comprise a plan to restore your smile!
About the Practice
At South Ridge Dental, Dr. Ryan Shaffer and Dr. Steven Shaffer work together to serve patients in Lincoln. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about tooth extractions and dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (402) 423-1616.