Dental implants are small screws made from titanium that can replace the roots of missing teeth. They are inserted through the gums and into the jawbone, making them incredibly durable. As the only permanent solution to missing teeth, dental implants are an incredibly popular way to complete one’s smile. If you have to have a tooth extracted and are looking to have it replaced with a dental implant, there will be a waiting period before you can move forward with the procedure. Read on to learn when you can get dental implants after a tooth extraction.
What Happens After Implants Are Placed?
As previously mentioned, dental implants are inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Once there, they will spend the next four to six months fusing with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This is what gives dental implants their unmatched stability and permanence. A custom crown, bridge, or other restoration will be placed on the implant to complete your smile.
How Long to Wait to Get Dental Implants After a Tooth Extraction
If you are in need of an implant because you recently had a tooth pulled, there are several factors that will impact how long you need to wait to have it placed. There are three categories that implant placement can be broken down into, which include:
- Immediate implant placement – When you still have sufficient bone structure and the tissue around the gap left by the missing tooth is healthy, immediate placement may be possible. This will help prevent bone loss in the jaw and is most common when injury or trauma was the reason for having to have the tooth pulled.
- Early implant placement – This type is also called immediate-delayed implant placement. People who undergo this kind of implant placement do so two or three months after the tooth is extracted. This allows their damaged gums and supporting tissue to heal before the implants are placed.
- Delayed implant placement – When a tooth has been decaying for a long time, you will need this kind of implant placement. This will give your body time to heal if you’ve experienced bone loss or if your gums or other tissues are in bad shape. If you don’t have enough jawbone structure to support dental implants, you may need to have a bone graft. It will take anywhere from three to six months for you to fully heal.
If you want more information on when you can get dental implants after a tooth extraction, your dentist will be able to help. Make an appointment with them so you can have all your questions answered and be on your way to a healthy, happy smile.
About the Practice
Drs. Rick Cofer and Ryan McNutt lead the team of oral health professionals at Premier Family Dental. They are proud of the wide range of our-services they offer and want to help patients improve the health of their smiles. For those looking to replace missing teeth, they offer durable dental implants. If you recently had a tooth pulled and want to have it replaced, they can also give you information on when you can get dental implants after a tooth extraction. Call Premier Family Dental at (254) 732-0309 or visit their website for more information or to make an appointment.