Are one or more of your teeth badly decayed or damaged? If so, then the best route to restoring your healthy smile may be removing them entirely. But how soon after can you fill the gap in your smile? You want to have a full smile and strong bite as quickly as possible, after all. Keep reading to learn from your dentist when you can get dental implants after a tooth extraction!
So, How Soon After a Tooth Extraction Can You Get a Dental Implant?
Getting dental implants in Virginia Beach after an extraction is certainly possible, but the turnaround time can vary depending on a variety of factors. As a result, there are three main categories of placement: immediate, early, and delayed:
- Immediate implant placement – If you have sufficient bone structure and good oral health, then the dentist can insert the titanium post immediately following the extraction. From there, osseointegration occurs, which typically takes 3-6 months. After the post has fused to the bone, the crown can be attached for a fully renewed tooth.
- Early implant placement – Also known as immediate-delayed implant placement, this happens 2-3 months after your procedure. This is often necessary when the gums or supporting tissue need to heal beforehand. When it’s time, the titanium rod will be carefully inserted into your jawbone, osseointegration will take place, and your restoration will be attached to the top.
- Delayed implant placement – If the condition of your oral health is compromised in any way, whether it’s from bone loss or an infection, then implant placement will be delayed. For example, if you don’t have adequate bone structure, then a bone graft will add 3-6 months to your timeline. Once you’ve healed, your dentist can get to work on placing the dental implant. Again, the timeframe will depend entirely on the preliminary procedure in question.
Why Replacing the Empty Space Is Important
If replacing the empty space in your mouth with a dental implant sounds like a hassle, it’s important to remember that leaving the gap unaddressed can lead to much greater consequences. To start, even one missing tooth can make eating difficult.
As a result, you may not chew properly, leading to indigestion and malnutrition. The space can take a toll on your self-confidence and negatively impact your speaking patterns. Therefore, it’s best to put a plan in place to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible.
It can be difficult to be patient while restoring your smile. However, it’s best to take the proper steps, even if it takes a little bit longer. That way, the result is a beautiful smile that is as healthy and strong as it is durable!
About the Author
Dr. Stephanie Santos earned her dental doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a member of the American Dental Association and Spear Study Club. Dr. Santos has been the owner and operator of Smile by Design for more than 13 years. If you are interested in dental implants after a tooth extraction, she is partnered with local implant specialists and low-interest financing is available. Schedule a consultation on her website or call (757) 499-9639.