If you’ve had a tooth extracted, you’re no doubt eager to have it replaced with a dental implant as soon as possible. While the recommended wait time can vary, it is usually necessary to give the jaw time to heal following an extraction. Dr. Steven Hewett, an oral surgeon and implant dentistry specialist based in Champion’s Gate, FL, explains why it’s important to not have an implant procedure too soon after an extraction.
The Process of Getting a Dental Implant
Having a permanent tooth removed should usually be followed by a period of recovery during which the jawbone and surrounding tissues fully heal. While there are some instances where an implant can be placed right after an extraction, this depends completely on the overall health of the patient, the positioning of the tooth, how strong the jawbone is, and whether or not there are any signs of infection present.
Usually, a candidate for implants will need to wait until the mouth and jaw have completely healed. This can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the oral health of the patient. While waiting is typically recommended, it is also important to not wait too long, as bone loss can occur over time when there is no tooth in place.
What Is the Standard Wait Time?
In most cases, it is recommended that the patient wait at least 8-10 weeks after a tooth removal before having one or more dental implants placed in the gap that was created by the extraction. This is just an estimate that can vary depending on the patient. A thorough oral examination can help to give the patient a clearer picture of what their timeline will likely look like.
The Importance of Not Waiting Too Long
There is really an ideal window where implant dentistry should take place, and that is after healing has occurred but before bone loss begins to set in. If too much time passes after the extraction, the jaw may become weaker, and the bone more porous, making it more difficult for the jaw to support an implant. It is still possible to perform implant dentistry, but the additional step of undergoing a bone graft may be required.
What to Expect During Implant Surgery
Once it has been determined that you are ready for the implant to be placed, you will need to ensure you have adequate recovery time as well as someone to take you home after the procedure.
During the procedure, an incision is made and a space is created in the jawbone where the implant screw will be positioned. The implant is then attached to the implant screw. Eventually, a crown will go over the implant, but this usually happens at a separate appointment.
The Recovery Period
Patients are prescribed some pain medication to get them through the first few days after their procedure, but many patients find that an over-the-counter NSAID such as ibuprofen is all they need. Applying ice can be very soothing during the first few days following the procedure. By day three, any discomfort should begin to subside.
While patients begin to feel well very soon after the procedure, there is a longer wait for the complete healing process to take place. This is because it can take several months for the implant to fully fuse to the jawbone. While this process is taking place, it is recommended to avoid biting into hard food. Maintaining a softer diet is a good idea until you get the go-ahead from your doctor to resume a normal diet.
Protecting the Dental Implant
The doctor will give you complete instructions for post-operative care, but the most important thing to remember is to stick with soft foods and drink water only (no hot beverages or sugary sodas) until you are advised otherwise. Patients are also asked to be very careful brushing their teeth so as not to cause any additional irritation in the mouth.
Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution and applying ice packs to the jaw can be helpful. Be gentle with yourself during this time, and be careful to avoid anything that might result in an impact to the mouth (for example, sports and vigorous physical activity should be avoided for a couple of weeks).
Follow-Up Appointments
Even after your crown has been successfully placed, the doctor will still want to see you several times to make sure your recovery is on the right track. We want to ensure that patients are following proper oral hygiene and that the incision site has healed completely.
Later, around the three-month mark, we will schedule a radiography scan to take a closer look at the jawbone and make sure the implant has fully fused with the bone. This process can take longer for some patients than for others. Normally it takes about 10 to 14 weeks for a complete fusion to take place.
Why Implant Dentistry Is Worth the Wait
If getting dental implants sounds like a long process, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. The answer is a resounding yes. Patients are always thrilled with their new smile and the stability that implants give to their jaw and chewing function. Dental implants are not just about cosmetics – they provide a vital purpose in the body, allowing the patient to eat properly and avoid the deteriorating effects of bone loss in the jaw.
The Key Advantages of Implants
Once a dental implant has been placed in the mouth, it fuses to the jawbone and essentially becomes just like a real tooth. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants are intended to last a lifetime and never have to be replaced. They allow the patient to eat anything without the potential risk of shifting or breakage.
Since an implant is just like a real tooth (perhaps even better!), it acts to anchor and protect the jawbone, preventing the bone shrinkage that naturally occurs when there is a missing tooth in the mouth.
The Risk of Not Replacing a Missing Tooth
Aside from the aesthetic considerations of having a gap in the teeth, there are also many practical reasons why any missing tooth should be replaced with a permanent implant. We’ve already talked about bone loss, which is a significant concern because it makes it increasingly difficult for a person to eat certain foods, and eventually causes the lower face to take on a sunken appearance as the jaw continues to deteriorate.
A gap can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift, creating a variety of problems. Misalignment of teeth can result in intense jaw pain, as well as headaches. Skewed teeth also create more places for food and bacteria to hide, making effective brushing and flossing difficult. Eventually, tooth decay and gum disease will set in.
Concerned That You’ve Waited Too Long?
If you’re reading this and are worried that you’ve waited too long after your initial tooth loss to seek help, there is usually a solution. During a thorough consultation with a doctor who specializes in implant dentistry, it can be determined the extent of the damage that has been done and what steps need to be taken to fix it.
Even if significant bone loss and tooth shifting have taken place, there are usually remediating measures that can be taken to halt further damage and re-stabilize the jaw structure.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
Dental implants can be safely placed in most adults. There are, however, rare instances where the doctor may advise against having this procedure. There are certain complex medical conditions that might potentially reduce implant effectiveness, which is why it’s important to discuss your complete medical history at your initial consultation.
It is also important to let us know about any medication you are taking. There are certain prescribed and non-prescribed medications, such as blood thinners, that may have to be temporarily stopped before surgery.
Taking Charge of Your Oral Health
If you have missing or damaged teeth that are causing you discomfort or embarrassment, or if you are anxious to replace a tooth following an extraction, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a consultation with Dr. Steven Hewett in Champion’s Gate, FL. As an Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Dr. Hewett has placed thousands of dental implants and is considered a foremost expert in this field.
