If you’ve heard of dental implants, you probably know that they’re considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth. This is because they can replace the entire structure of a lost tooth from root to crown, which is something other restorations cannot do. That said, if you’ve recently undergone a tooth extraction and you hope to get a dental implant, you might be wondering what the timeline looks like. Here’s what you need to know.
What Happens Following Tooth Loss?
Tooth loss, either as a result of natural causes or via extraction, can have some consequences if the tooth isn’t replaced in a timely manner. When a tooth is missing, the empty space it creates might feel very unnatural, but it also creates changes you may not notice right away. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath the area begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation from the tooth/ In addition, the open space leaves lots of room for the surrounding teeth to move and shift around.
Why Dental Implants?
Since jawbone deterioration is one of the primary issues that can occur following tooth loss, a dental implant stands out as the best option for replacing the lost tooth. Since the implant post acts as a replacement tooth root, it can replicate the natural stimulation that was once provided to the jaw via the tooth. Other dental restorations, like dentures, cannot do this. Plus, dental implants can last for several decades with the right care, can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, and do not come with extra maintenance steps or considerations. All of these benefits and more are simply life-changing!
When Can I Get a Dental Implant After a Tooth Extraction?
How soon you can have an implant placed following tooth extraction depends on many different factors, including your general health, the presence of any dental infections, and the general health of the surrounding gum tissue and jawbone. Often, implant placement can be broken into three main categories:
- Immediate implant placement can occur if your tissue is healthy and you have sufficient jawbone density. This often occurs when a tooth is lost due to trauma or injury.
- Early implant placement occurs two to three months after the extraction, and the delay is often due to the gums needing time to heal before implant placement.
- Delayed implant placement is often needed if you’ve had a decaying tooth for some time, or if you require a bone graft due to intense bone loss. Bone grafts can take several months to heal, and once the implants are placed, another several months are needed for them to fully fuse with the bone tissue.
In any case, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist about the possibility of replacing an extracted (or lost) tooth with a dental implant; it’s the best available option!
About the Practice
Our team here at Winthrop Street Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Worcester area for several years, offering a wide range of services including tooth replacement options like dental implants, performed entirely in-house. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a consultation, please reach out online or by phone today for additional information. Telephone: (508) 756-0990.
