Dental implants are a treatment that’s easy to get excited about. When you see the incredible results that they can produce and what they can do for your smile, it’s easy to start thinking about how your life would be different with a brand new tooth.
That’s why, if you have a tooth extraction coming up, you might find yourself wondering how quickly afterward you could expect to get your dental implant. The answer may depend; here’s what you should know.
When Can I Get my Dental Implant?
The amount of time that you’ll need to wait before you can get your dental implant depends from person to person, with the main determining factor being the state of your oral health. If your teeth, gums, and jaw are in poor condition it may be necessary to complete some preliminary procedures before you get your implants.
Typically, there are three approaches your dentist might take: immediate, early, and delayed implant placement. Here’s what you should know about each of these options.
Immediate Implant Placement
Patients with absolutely sterling oral health may be able to get their dental implants immediately after having their tooth extracted. This allows you to get your dental implant quickly and to avoid any unnecessary bone loss. However, this is typically only possible if you lost or broke a tooth due to a sudden accident.
Early Implant Placement
“Early” implant placement generally takes place two to three months after having your tooth extracted. This is usually done if you have damage to your gum line or an outstanding infection that needs to heal before the implants can be placed. However, the longer that you’re missing a tooth the more likely it is that your bone reabsorbs and shrinks. For that reason, most dentists will try to complete the placement of the dental implants before the three month mark.
Delayed Implant Placement
If you’ve been missing a tooth for a while, or if you are suffering from severe gum disease, it may be that your jaw isn’t sufficiently strong to hold an implant. In that case, you’ll ned a bone graft before you get your implant.
You will typically need to wait three to six months after this procedure is complete to heal completely before you get your implant.
About Our Practice
At Baltimore Dental Arts, we understand that every single patients that we see is completely different. They each have their own unique needs, and treating their issues effectively requires developing a plan tailored specifically to them. Our team has an incredible amount of expertise, and will use all of it to ensure that you’re getting the remarkable dental care that you truly deserve.
If you have any questions about tooth extractions, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (410) 372-0202.