How Long Do You Wait for Dental Implants After Extraction

Dental implants are a reliable replacement option if a patient has a tooth extracted. There are many reasons to pull permanent teeth, including infection, irreversible damage, and a crowded mouth. A dentist may recommend an implant if a patient is experiencing difficulties with chewing or speaking, or if the person is self-conscious about smiling. It is important for a patient to understand what is the healing process after a tooth extraction and how to prepare their mouth for a dental implant.

Tooth extraction process

During tooth extraction, a dental professional pulls the tooth from the bony socket in the jaw. Once the tooth is removed, the patient needs to allow time for the bone to heal. While the majority of tooth extractions are simple and safe, complications can arise. However, patients have a fair amount of control over how well their mouth heals by following the care recommendations from the dentist.

Proper care

Immediately following a tooth extraction, the dentist places a gauze pack on the site to limit bleeding. The patient can remove the gauze after about 30 to 45 minutes. A blood clot needs to form to help with the healing process.

Do not rinse the mouth or drink through a straw for at least 24 hours. A patient can brush and floss other teeth, but should avoid cleaning any teeth next to the site. Proper care of the site avoids complications such as dry socket. Some swelling and pain is common after tooth extraction; therefore, a dentist may prescribe medication.

Healing period

A patient should see improvements in pain within two to three days following extraction. During the next few weeks, a patient should perform rinses of warm salt water to kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent infection, and avoid hard foods such as chips and toast. Care should be taken not to bite down on the site in the mouth. The healing period for a simple tooth extraction typically takes up to 10 days, depending on a variety of factors such as age and overall oral health.

Dental implant insertion

In the past, a tooth extraction site was left to heal for several months before placing dental implants. However, improvements in dental implant hardware and patient demand for faster implantation has shortened or eliminated healing time. There is some research that suggests that immediate placement of the dental implant after extraction counteracts complications such as shifting teeth and bone loss.

Conversely, a dental professional may suggest waiting several weeks or months before placing a dental implant. Factors including bone integrity and thickness, tissue structure, and general and oral health may be considered. The process for receiving a dental implant typically consists of three phases: Placement of implant, healing, and placement of prosthesis. If taken care of properly, a dental implant lasts for many years.