If you have cracked, broken, decayed or infected teeth, then you need to see a dentist immediately. If the dentist has recommended extraction, you know that one or more teeth will need to be removed and you now have options to consider. It’s recommended to fill that space as soon as possible. How long should you wait after getting a tooth extracted before you get dental implants? That answer depends on person to patient so let’s go over some options.
Immediate Implant Placement
The most convenient and best option is to just get the dental implant placed into your jawbone as soon as your tooth is extracted. Usually this can be done right away in the same appointment. You are sitting in the chair already, taken time off work, already frozen and everything is set out already. Of course, the dental team needs to make sure you don’t have gum disease, have a decent immune system and have a healthy jawbone first, strong enough to support the dental implants in Mississauga.
Immediate implant placement and tooth extraction on the same day is usually the best for your oral health and reduces the chances of jawbone loss and further infections and decay of the surrounding teeth.
Early Implant Placement
If you cannot get the implant placed immediately, then another option is to wait two to three months after the extraction. This is called immediate-delayed implant placement.
It’s still a relatively short waiting period comparatively but allows your gums and jaw to heal following the extraction. This will also give your body a chance to fight any infections.
Some people delay the implant procedure to give them time to figure out which option they want. https://www.peeldentist.com/posts/what-is-the-best-alternative-to-dental-implants/
Delayed Implant Placement
After 3 months and for those with a lot of damage to their gums, jaw and mouth either from an accident or severe gum disease, or just have other personal concerns about getting an implant, then it would be a delayed implant placement.
Can I get a dental implant years after extraction?
Yes, you can get a dental implant years after extraction. However, the longer you wait, the less likely you can, which leads to:
What happens if you don’t get an implant after tooth extraction?
There are alternatives to implants but several issues occur if you don’t get an implant after tooth extraction.
- Jaw bone loss. The longer you wait after you have a tooth extracted, the more your jaw bone can recede. Your bone is a “use it or lose it” system and if there is nothing for it to support, it will recede down and become less dense over time. At some point, you may require bone graft to provide support to the area for the tooth implant to be sturdy.
- Receding gums. Your gums will also recede over time in the area of the extracted teeth and also for the surrounding teeth. Gum loss leads to periodontist and decay because your gums are there to protect your teeth.
- Increased decay and exposure to plaque for the surrounding teeth. The surrounding teeth become more and more exposed to bacteria and as a result can experience more decay and plaque buildup. This happens slowly and can result in more cavities and tartar and potentially the loss of the teeth that surround the missing tooth over time if it’s not examined by a dentist.
- Surrounding teeth get shifted. Not having the support where the missing teeth were, the surrounding teeth now will shift into the gap. This causes a lot of mechanical stress to your teeth and can result in discomfort and even TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) pain.
- Reduces your ability to bite and chew. It can be very unpleasant to have your bite changed due to the missing tooth and that can result in jaw pain and make it uncomfortable when you chew the foods you want. This can get worse over time.
- Unpleasant aesthetics. Having a gap in their smile is one of the biggest reasons patients invest in dental implants, especially after a tooth extraction.
What hurts more tooth extraction or implant?
Neither the tooth extraction, nor the dental implant should hurt at all during the appointment. You would be under
How to Avoid Unnecessary Treatment Delays
Some patients ask if they can speed up the dental implant treatment. Unfortunately, this is impossible because the few months of waiting are for the implant to fuse with your jaw bone (like your natural teeth ) and provide the support you need to have a natural looking, strong replacement tooth for decades.
However, what you can speed up is the time between extraction and implant. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you avoid unnecessary delays.
- Book a consultation with the dentist. Tell him or her that you are interested in dental implants and ask about options for immediate placement after your tooth extraction.
- Follow the Oral Health Care Tips. If you follow the advice the dental team gives you for proper teeth care before, during and after treatment, then it would minimize any delays caused by preventable problems like cavities, plaque, slower healing time and so on.
- No Smoking. Try to avoid smoking around any treatment. Smoking has been known to delay healing and increase the risk of other serious oral health problems.
- Total Body Health. If you have diabetes or are immunocompromised or undergoing any treatment, make sure the dentist knows as it along with any medication prescribed affect the dental implant treatment.
Every patient is different when it comes to deciding how long after an extraction you can get a dental implant. That’s why it’s important to discuss your options to find the best solution to get it done as soon as possible so you can get back to the life you were living, smile fully and avoid dental problems in the future.
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