Once a tooth has been extracted, you will probably be eager to have the empty space filled. In many cases, dentists recommend getting dental implants as a way to rebuild your grin from the roots up. But exactly how long will you have to wait after a tooth extraction to have dental implants placed? The answer can vary from patient to patient; here’s what you need to know.
Types of Implant Placement After a Tooth Extraction
There are actually three kinds of implant placement you can receive after having a tooth removed: immediate implant placement, early implant placement, and delayed implant placement. As the names indicate, the wait time for each type of placement is different.
- Immediate Implant Placement: With this approach, there is no wait time. You can have your dental implants placed on the same day as your tooth extraction. This is a viable option for patients with healthy mouths and plenty of bone density.
- Early Implant Placement: In some cases, you can have dental implants placed about two to three months after your tooth extraction. The wait is to give the mouth a chance to heal before implant surgery is performed. It’s important to have the implants placed before the jaw has lost too much bone.
- Delayed Implant Placement: Sometimes a bone grafting procedure might be necessary before you can be considered eligible for dental implants. It can take roughly three to six months for your mouth to heal after bone grafting, at which point you can proceed with the implant process.
The type of dental implant placement that you’re able to get will depend on your specific circumstances; you won’t know for sure which option is the right one for you until you have had an initial dental implant consultation.
Is It Worth Waiting for Dental Implants?
Even if you’re not able to get dental implants right away, their numerous benefits make them well worth the wait. Some of the important advantages they offer include:
- Being able to last for decades with minimal maintenance.
- Acting as new tooth roots in order to stimulate the jaw and stop bone loss.
- Allowing you to enjoy replacement teeth that look and feel natural.
- Providing enough chewing power to handle virtually any kind of food.
Are you planning on having a tooth removed in the near future and want to replace it with a dental implant? Reach out to your dentist today to schedule a consultation and find out what the wait time between the two procedures will look like.
About the Practice
Our team at Complete Dental Care in Kent is dedicated to doing everything they can to help patients take better care of their smiles. We offer tooth extractions for removing compromised teeth, and we can determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. To schedule a consultation at Complete Dental Care, visit our website or call (253) 854-2714.