Having a gap in your smile can be annoying. Not only might it make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, but you might also find it more challenging to eat your favorite foods. It is only natural if you are eager to get a dental implant to fill in the empty space ASAP! But when exactly might that happen? Well, that really depends on a few factors. Let us talk about some common tooth replacement timelines.
Immediate Dental Implant
If you have not yet had your tooth extracted, tell Dr. Makadia about your desire to get a dental implant before your extraction procedure. If your jawbone is healthy and you are free of gum disease, there is a chance that you could get a dental implant on the very same day that your tooth is removed.
Of course, it is important to note that even if you receive the implant post (the artificial tooth root that will get placed into your jawbone) right after your extraction, it still might be a few months before you receive a crown to replace the visible portion of your lost tooth.
Early Implant Placement
Early implant placement is also known as immediate-delayed placement. It usually occurs 2 – 3 months after an extraction. This waiting period gives your extraction site plenty of time to heal after the removal of your tooth. It also provides time for you to recover if you had gum disease or other oral infections.
Since immediate-delayed implant placement happens soon after an extraction, it usually takes place before the jawbone has seriously deteriorated.
Delayed Implant Placement
Delayed implant placement happens at least 3 months after an extraction. This approach might be necessary if you had severe gum disease or other serious forms of damage to the tissue at the site of your missing tooth. You might require a bone graft or other restorative procedures before you can move forward with tooth replacement.
Avoid Unnecessary Delays
Here are a few tips that might help you avoid unnecessary delays before you can get a dental implant:
- Follow a strict oral hygiene routine.
- Take good care of your overall health.
- Avoid the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
- Carefully follow post-op instructions after your tooth extraction.
- Do not let a busy schedule prevent you from attending an implant consultation. Remember, the longer you wait, the more likely it is that you will require a bone graft or other preparatory procedures.
Dental implants are for tooth replacement, but the treatment process is not always fast. Be patient, and look forward to the time when your beautiful new smile is in place.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Makadia is an experienced implant dentist who is able to perform start-to-finish dental implant treatment right here in our Bohemia, Long Island, dental office. He and our team strive to be as efficient as possible while keeping patient safety and wellness at the forefront of our minds. If you are curious about your options for tooth replacement after an extraction, contact Sunrise Dental Service at 631-567-5566.