Tooth extraction may be recommended if your dentist believes it is necessary for your oral health. Whether it is decay, an infection, or facial trauma that brings you to this point, it’s important to remember that your future smile will benefit from the removal process. But how long should you expect to wait before being able to receive a dental implant to fill in the gap?
No matter if it’s one tooth or several that need to be extracted, having them replaced is something you don’t want to neglect. Read on to learn what kind of timeframe is typical when looking to receive dental implants after tooth extraction.
Post-Tooth Removal: When Can I Receive Dental Implants?
Depending on which type of dental implants you receive, you may be required to wait several months for your new prosthetic teeth. However, there are instances where temporary teeth can be put into place on the same day as your extraction.
Various factors will determine how your dentist chooses to proceed. They include the health of your gums and bone, the severity of the infection, and your overall well-being.
If your jawbone and gum tissues are healthy after tooth removal, All-on-4 may be a viable option that allows you to receive immediate implant placement. This solution uses only four posts, two placed toward the front and two placed toward the back, creating a stable and supportive foundation for your new teeth.
However, if you lack jawbone density, you will likely need bone grafting to create a solid base for your dental implants and restoration. This additional procedure can add several months to your overall treatment plan but is essential if you want your prosthetics to last.
The average timeframe to receive dental implants after tooth extraction is around 10 weeks. This will vary if additional treatment is required. The mouth will need to heal from surgery before enduring another minor procedure to place the implant posts.
What Makes Dental Implants Worth the Wait?
While some patients may choose not to wait to receive dental implants, you’ll find that by holding off until your mouth is fully healed, these prosthetics will change your life for the better. Not only do they provide a more permanent form of tooth replacement, but they also:
- Reduce the Risk of Bone Shrinkage: Tooth loss is known to cause bone shrinkage – a process that leads to facial sagging and aging appearances. With dental implants, you’ll look younger and enjoy a more supple appearance.
- Restore Bite and Chewing Power: Once dental implants are in place, you’ll enjoy improved chewing power of up to 70%. This means that you can eat the foods you love without worrying about your teeth shifting inside your mouth.
- Are More Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Although they require a higher upfront cost, dental implants will save you money in the long run because you won’t need special adhesives to hold your teeth in place, and you won’t need frequent replacements every few years.
We know enjoying a fully restored smile after tooth extraction is important; however, waiting to receive dental implants will leave you with the results you truly desire – ones that will last a lifetime.
About the Practice
Indy Dental Group consists of a team of dental experts who understand the challenges of tooth loss. Whether it is one missing tooth, multiple, or an entire row, we believe in providing effective solutions to restore smiles, so they look and feel better and allow for easier eating and speaking. With dental implants, we can fill in the gaps no matter if they are formed by facial trauma, poor oral hygiene, or tooth extraction. Contact us at (317) 846-6125 to find out what you can expect should you desire these permanent prosthetics after having one or more teeth removed.