You’ve been told that your tooth is so badly damaged that your best option is to have it replaced with a dental implant. Obviously, this means that the tooth will have to be removed first, but the natural question is: how long will you have to wait to get dental implants after tooth extraction in Round Rock? The answer to this question is not set in stone, but fortunately your dentist can give you an idea of when you can expect to receive your reliable new teeth.
Why Do You Have to Wait?
A tooth extraction is a major oral procedure, and it can take time for your mouth to fully heal afterwards. Your gums and jawbone will have to recover before implant surgery can begin, and this normally takes a minimum of 10 weeks. Some patients heal faster than others, so some might have a shorter-than-average or longer-than-average wait time.
Is It Always Necessary to Wait?
The short answer is that no, you don’t always have to wait to get dental implants after a tooth extraction. Sometimes the oral surgeon can perform what is known as immediate implant placement; as the name suggests, the implant posts are placed immediately after the tooth is removed. This can only be done if you still have sufficient healthy bone structure around the area where the dental implant needs to be inserted. This is often the case if the tooth has to be removed as the result of an accident or injury.
If You Do Need to Wait, How Long Will It Take?
Typically, waiting is required if you are suffering from damaged gums or an infection. The gums and other supporting tissues will definitely need a chance to heal under these circumstances. The goal is normally to perform implant placement within the first three months after the initial extraction before too much bone loss can occur.
In some cases, implant placement will have to be delayed because bone loss has already occurred. A bone grafting procedure will likely be needed to improve the stability of the bone before implant surgery can be completed. It takes about 3 to 6 months for the mouth to heal after a bone graft; once that is complete, implant placement will be performed as soon as possible. Note that the actual procedure for placing implants will largely be the same no matter when it takes place.
The timeline for getting dental implants after tooth extraction depends on a variety of factors, and the only way to get a reliable estimate is to talk to your dentist in Round Rock. Fortunately, the benefits of dental implants make them well worth the wait.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay is known for his compassionate and genuinely caring approach to dentistry. He is a current member of the Texas Dental Association, and he currently helps Round Rock families smile at Chisholm Trail Dental Health. He works alongside specialists who can expertly place dental implants after tooth extraction, and he’s always happy to answer any questions his patients have about the implant process. To schedule an implant consultation, visit his website or call (512) 244-2796.