Dental Implants After Tooth Extraction: When & Why Do I Need Them?

Though many Escondido patients may not be aware of it, roots serve a much broader purpose than merely anchoring teeth. Therefore, if you’re going to have your teeth removed for any reason, dental implants are a great option to consider. This is not only one of the most durable and advanced tooth replacement options in dentistry, but also a top recommendation for your overall oral health and wellness.

But, did you ever wonder how soon you can get implants after tooth extraction, and why timing matters? How long do you have to wait before getting one inserted? Read on to find out!

What happens to the jawbone once a tooth is extracted? 

You may be surprised to learn that teeth roots actually stimulate jawbone growth. This root stimulation is lost as a consequence of a tooth extraction, causing your jawbone to weaken and increasing the risk of losing your remaining teeth.What happens to the jawbone once a tooth is extracted

Furthermore, exposed gums around an area where a tooth is missing may also be susceptible to infection. Food particles can lodge there, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Unless properly treated, they can easily spread throughout the body and cause systemic health problems, and affect other organs as well. This can contribute to illnesses such as gum disease, diabetes, kidney and heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. For this reason, missing teeth must be treated immediately.

How soon can I get a dental implant after a tooth extraction?

There are several factors that contribute to the amount of time it takes to replace a tooth after extraction. Based on these variables, you’ll undergo one of three main types of dental implant surgery:

1. Immediate dental implant placement

In the event that your gums are healthy and your jawbone is dense enough, you can have an implant placed immediately after the affected teeth are extracted. This way, the tooth extraction and implant placement can be performed at once. However, immediate post-extraction implant placement is not right for every patient because single-rooted implants are best suited to incisors, canines, and premolars.

2. Delayed dental implant placement

In addition to placing implants right after having your teeth extracted, you can also have them done shortly afterward. This is known as a delayed implant placement procedure, and it generally refers to implants placed within two weeks to three months after extraction. This way, you’ll avoid bone loss and the gums and bone surrounding the extraction site will heal from any lingering infections. 

3. Late dental implant placement 

In late implantation, implants are placed after an extraction. In cases where the bone mass is insufficient to support an implant at the time of extraction, supplementary procedures such as a bone graft or sinus lift may be required to prepare the site for implant placement. Typically, a new bone takes approximately 3 to 6 months to form. In other words, placement occurs once enough bone has been created for implants. 

Get in touch with one of Escondido’s most trusted dental implants specialistsHow soon can I get a dental implant after a tooth extraction

There’s never a bad time to start talking about dental implants. If you want to know more about dental bridges or have concerns about dental implants, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Tsvetov, one of the leading dental specialists in Escondido and the area. He’ll explain the process to you and give you all the information you need on dental implant aftercare

Thanks to his long-standing experience in the field, Dr. Dmitry has the knowledge and experience to help you restore your oral health. Feel free to visit our office and discuss the best time for your procedure or any other concerns you may have. Get in touch with us today!