Timing Tips for the Placement of Dental Implants

If you have lost one or more teeth due to aging or an extraction, your first choice for convenience and durability is probably to get dental implants. Dental implants are anchored directly into your jawbone, making them sturdy for chewing, and they are topped with a crown that’s designed to look just like your natural teeth. There’s practically no downside to getting dental implants, and the benefits far outweigh the risks, making them the first option you should consider to replace a tooth. Here are some tips for the timing of your dental implant placement.

How Long After An Extraction Should I Wait To Get an Implant?

If you have an abscess or a tooth that’s failing, your dentist will probably recommend an extraction. Losing a tooth means that you will go without that tooth forever, but when the tooth is not salvageable, you may not have another option. However, depending on the placement of that tooth, you’ll probably want to replace it with an implant. There are three basic options of when you can get the implant placed.

1. Immediately when you extract the bad tooth
2. In the middle of the process, before your bone and soft tissue have completely healed
3. 4-6 months after the extraction, when the site has fully healed.

In general, the first option is rare. Inserting the dental implant root immediately can have complications, such as running into the nerve, but there are some cases where it will be the best option. If the situation is right, placing the implant immediately can save you on recovery time.

The standard procedure is to wait to place the implant until the site of your missing tooth is fully healed. This usually means you’ll wait 4-6 months.

Can you wait TOO long before placing an implant?

What if your tooth is already missing and you are just now beginning to think about implants? Is it possible to delay too long before getting a tooth implant procedure? You’ll only know if you talk with your dentist, but it’s typically still possible to get an implant months or years after your extraction was done.

Here’s the factor you need to consider if you have waited a long time to get your implant: Bone loss starts to occur in your jawbone after you remove a tooth. This is because that section of your jawbone no longer feels the stress of chewing, and therefore, your body stops paying attention to it to build it up. If bone loss occurs, you may need bone grafts before you become a candidate for implants. This can add time and cost to your implant procedure. Therefore, it’s best to get implants as soon as possible after you lose a tooth.

Is there a timing difference between getting a single implant vs. multiples?

Maybe. In some cases, an experienced dental implant surgeon can extract all your teeth and install implants the same day, but everyone’s mouth is different, and it depends on many factors. Ask Dr. Colkmire what he would recommend for you.

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Dr. Colkmire has advanced training in how to place dental implants. If you live in the Sarasota area and need dental implants or general dentistry services, please contact us today for a consultation.