How Long Should You Wait to Get Dental Implants After Extraction?

Did you have a tooth removed? You may be looking forward to replacing the gap in your smile as soon as possible. Dental implants are one option for replacing a missing tooth and can restore both appearance and function when appropriate. But how long do you have to wait to get dental implants after extraction? Carry on reading to find out.

How Soon Can You Get Dental Implants After Tooth Extraction?

Generally, there are three different approaches to consider. Some people might get an implant the same day. Others may have to wait longer. Implant dentists choose the right one after doing a complete assessment, including an oral exam and digital scans.

Immediate implant placement

An implant is placed right after your tooth is removed. This cuts down your treatment time, and you can get the tooth replaced in the same visit.

Sounds quite convenient? It is, but immediate placement is not appropriate for everyone. Your dentist will consider the condition of the extraction site, available bone, gum health, infection, and whether the implant can achieve adequate stability.

Early implant placement

Your dentist waits about 1 to 3 months before inserting a tooth implant after extraction. Since most patients get their tooth pulled out because of an infection or gum disease, this approach gives enough time for your soft and hard tissues to heal.

About two-thirds of bone loss happens in the first three months after tooth removal, so an implant should be placed before this time frame has passed.

Delayed implant placement

Some patients may have to wait 3 to 6 months or longer before getting a new dental implant. This long wait may be necessary if you have advanced gum disease or very significant bone loss around the tooth. Your dentist may suggest placing a bone graft first to rebuild a sturdy foundation. Later, the implant can be placed.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Implant Placement for Too Long

For dental implant placement, timing matters a lot. Some patients assume that it may not make much of a difference if they don’t get the tooth replaced soon and wait a few years. That can be quite risky.

Waiting too long causes bone loss in that area, which makes your implant treatment more complex. Your neighboring teeth may also start to shift. This leads to bite changes.

Bone loss that happens over the years contributes to facial sagging. Put simply, what starts as a simple problem may turn very complicated the longer you leave it untreated.

Ending Note

Dental implant placement after tooth extraction requires careful planning. The appropriate timing depends on factors such as your oral health, gum condition, available bone, healing, and whether additional procedures are needed. Book a free consultation with our qualified implant dentist at New Smiles Dental Implant Center today to know which strategy would work best for you. Get started today by calling us at (832) 770-7777 (Bellaire office) or (832) 702-7101 (Galleria office).