Having a gap in your smile can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable. If you recently had a tooth extracted — or you will soon undergo an extraction — you may rightly be eager to replace the lost tooth. How soon can you get dental implants after a tooth extraction? The answer depends on your unique circumstances. This blog post discusses some possible timelines.

Immediate Implant Placement

Under ideal circumstances, it is possible to place a dental implant in the jawbone immediately after a tooth extraction, perhaps even in the same appointment. This might be an option for you if you are free of gum disease and have a healthy, strong jawbone.

Early Implant Placement

Early implant placement, also called immediate-delayed implant placement, usually takes place 2 -3 months after an extraction. The waiting period gives your gums time to heal, and if you were fighting an infection when your tooth was removed, waiting gives your body the opportunity to finish recovering. Since early implant placement takes place relatively quickly after an extraction, it often allows patients to avoid the need for a bone graft.

Delayed Implant Placement

Delayed implant placement occurs more than three months following an extraction. It is often necessary if severe gum disease has caused serious damage to the tissues that would have to support the implant. You might require a bone graft, gum disease therapy, a gum graft, or other restorative procedures before your mouth is well enough for implant surgery.

How to Avoid Unnecessary Delays

Here are some things you can do to avoid unnecessary delays in your implant journey:

• Make an appointment to talk to your dental implant dentist in Lakeville as soon as possible. Delays may allow your jawbone to deteriorate and increase the chance that you will need a bone graft before your implant surgery. It would even be smart to talk to your dentist about implants prior to your extraction.
• Take excellent care of your oral health. You should have strict oral hygiene habits and closely follow any post-procedural instructions that your dentist provides after your extraction.
• Do not smoke. Smoking slows down your body’s healing process and can adversely affect dental implant candidacy. Chewing tobacco and nicotine patches are also not recommended.
• Manage your overall health. If you are diabetic or have been diagnosed with other chronic health conditions, do your best to keep them under control. Otherwise, they might adversely affect your oral health and push back the date when you might be eligible for dental implants.

Even if you must wait a few months after your extraction to get dental implants in Lakeville, you can expect your patience to pay off. Hopefully, you will have a complete smile again in what seems like no time at all!

Meet the Practice

Drs. Minh-Phuong Bui and Le Nguyen are highly trained dentists who serve the Lakeville Community. They partner with local specialists to provide comprehensive dental implant services. To learn more about how they may be able to help you replace your lost teeth, contact our office at 508-947-5717.