If you have a molar or premolar removed, you will need to allow for 10 weeks following your tooth extraction before you can schedule the dental implant procedure. This will give your mouth a sufficient amount of time to heal so that your gums will be stable enough to hold your new implant in place. If the tooth you have removed is a canine or incisor, and your gums are healthy, you may be able to have the implant placed immediately.
However, the precise waiting period may differ depending on the individual patient. Placing the implant is also only the first step of the process. Once the implant has integrated with your jawbone, the crown can be placed to complete the tooth replacement procedure. This usually happens 2-3 months following the implant placement. When you sit down with your dentist to discuss the tooth extraction, they will advise you how long you will need to wait before you can have the tooth replaced.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Too Long to Replace a Tooth
When a tooth is removed, a gap will remain between your teeth. Not only can that detract from the appearance of your smile, but it can also lead to a number of complications. If you do not have the tooth replaced, the gap can cause the other teeth in your mouth to shift in place. This can make it harder to keep your teeth free of decay, and it can even cause your jawbone to deteriorate. This, in turn, can affect your oral health and even the appearance of your face.
The best way to prevent these complications is to schedule your dental implant or other tooth-replacement procedure as soon as possible. You and your dentist can monitor your progress after your tooth extraction to determine the best time to perform the implant procedure. If you have experienced jawbone loss, your dentist may need to perform a bone graft before placing the implant.
Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery Can Help
Our team of experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery can provide you with the state-of-the-art dental implants you deserve. We offer a wide array of implant options, including All-On-4 same-day implants and zygomatic implants. We use our practice’s most advanced dental technology to ensure that our patients can get the happy, healthy smiles they’re looking for! Contact us today to request an appointment!