Tooth extractions are never your dentist’s first choice, but sometimes one is necessary to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. An extraction will only ever be recommended as a last resort. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you need to go the rest of your life with a gap in your smile. Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth, but how long do you need to wait to get one? This depends on various factors. Here’s what you should know!
How Long Must You Wait to Get a Dental Implant?
The amount of time between your extraction and dental implant placement will depend on a few factors. Usually, one of the following scenarios occurs:
Immediate Dental Implant Placement
If you have healthy gum tissue and a sufficient jawbone, your dentist may be able to place your dental implant immediately after your extraction. This could be the case if your tooth needs to be extracted due to an accident or injury. Over the next three to six months, osseointegration, the fusion process between the jawbone and implant, takes place. Then, you will be ready to have your restoration attached.
Early Dental Implant Placement
In this scenario, the dental implant procedure occurs about 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 the dental implant is placed. As much as half of the bone resorption can occur within the first three months after an extraction, so having the dental implant placed as soon as possible is super important.
Delayed Dental Implant Placement
If you have had a decayed tooth for a long time, your gums and supporting tissue are likely not in optimal condition. You may have experienced bone loss. When this happens, you might require bone grafting to provide you with enough bone stability to support a 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 needed before your restoration can be delivered.
If you have an extraction coming up, talk to your dentist about your tooth replacement options. This way, you can put together a plan to meet your goals and needs.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than a decade. She earned her dental doctorate from Temple University School of Dentistry. Currently, she is affiliated with multiple professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Seattle Study Club. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Leesburg, visit her website or call (703) 666-3867.