In most cases, your personal dentist will recommend replacing a missing tooth with dental implants as soon as possible. In fact, a patient loses up to 25% of jaw bone density already in the first year after a tooth extraction or loss. Bone density reduction can make placing dental implants much more challenging and also leads to changes in facial structure. On top of that, it is more difficult to chew and speak if one or more teeth are missing. In this article we will answer the question: “How soon can I get dental implants after extraction?”
What Happens After a Tooth is Extraction or Loss?
After your tooth has been extracted or lost, there will be an empty socket left where the tooth used to be. In the first several hours a blood clot will be formed in the socket. The function of the clot is to protect the bone during the healing process. Sometimes the extraction site can be closed with stitches for faster and more effective healing. Keep in mind that it is extremely important to preserve the blood clot in the socket to avoid complications and severe pain after extractions.
The tooth extraction site generally should close within approximately 10 days after the surgery. During this time you might experience mild pain and swelling. Some bleeding is also possible in the first several hours after the procedure.
If the tooth is missing for a long time, the surrounding teeth might start changing their position and “drifting” towards the gap. In addition the process of jaw bone density reduction will begin. Both these issues might significantly impede placing of dental implants.
Why Do I Have To Wait for Dental Implants After Tooth Extraction?
Typically, a patient has to wait after tooth extraction or loss before dental implants can be placed into the jawbone. Your jawbone has to heal and be strong enough to be able to receive and later support dental implants in place. Especially if the tooth was lost due to gum infection, the tissue needs sufficient time to be restored.
How Soon Can I Get a Dental Implant After a Tooth Extraction?
Generally, the wait time before getting dental implants after tooth extraction is around 10 weeks.
However, in some cases, dental implants can be placed immediately after extraction. Your doctor can suggest this option after a careful evaluation of your oral and general health. The sufficient capacity of the jawbone to heal has to be established, along with good dental and gum health.
The wait time might depend on several factors like your health condition, jaw bone density, etc. Typically, it is not advisable to wait more than 3 to 4 months to avoid bone density loss. There are three main scenarios when it comes to dental implant placement:
Immediate Dental Implant Placement
If the jaw bone is healthy and there are no other health-related risks, the metal post of the implant can be placed into the bone immediately after the tooth extraction. Then, it will gradually fuse with the bone, simultaneously healing the extraction site.
Early Dental Implant Placement
Early dental implant placement usually happens within the first 3 months after the tooth extraction. Providing there are no other risks or dental health considerations, the implants are placed once the jaw bone and gums have healed sufficiently but before the jaw bone loss process begins.
Delayed Dental Implant Placement
If your teeth have been missing for longer periods of time, or the tooth loss occurred due to severe decay or gum disease, the jaw bone density might have reduced. In this case, your doctor will most likely suggest doing dental bone grafting before getting dental implants. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is aimed at rebuilding the jaw bone structure by implanting new tissue into the bone and prompting it to heal and regrow. Recovery after bone grafting might take 2 to 3 months, and dental implants can be placed 3 to 6 months after the procedure.
Make an Appointment Today
If you are considering whether dental implants are the right procedure for you or need tooth extractions followed by dental implant placement, make an appointment at our office today. Get high-quality dental implants made to order at Dentist Mission Viejo, which will serve you for a long time. Our specialists are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and helping to restore your oral health.