Losing a tooth can be distressing, but it’s something many people deal with in their lives. Whether it’s due to trauma, gum disease, or something else, some situations lead to the need for a tooth extraction. Luckily, advancements in oral care have made replacing a lost tooth easier than ever in the form of dental implants. But how long do you have to wait after an extraction to get one of these implants? Can the implant be placed immediately?
Dental implants can be installed immediately after a tooth extraction if the procedure is performed by a skilled dental surgeon. This can be beneficial for many people as it minimizes how many surgeries need to be done. But it does depend on your gum health, the strength of the surrounding bone, and your overall health.
What to Do When You Lose a Tooth
If you have a damaged or diseased tooth, your first step should be to visit your dentist and ask to be referred to an experienced dental surgeon near you. A dental surgeon has years of specialty training and experience in treating missing or damaged teeth. So by visiting them, you’re gaining access to a wealth of knowledge that may make the process much smoother.
They’ll assess the area and may recommend a tooth extraction. This is a routine procedure that dental surgeons perform daily. In most cases, during this procedure the surgeon will:
- Administer local anesthesia to numb the area where the tooth will be removed
- Use a tool to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it is loose enough to be removed
- Remove the tooth and ensure all parts of the tooth are fully extracted
- Clean and disinfect the extraction site to prevent infection
- Place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and assist in clot formation
- Provide advice about how to keep the area sterile and clean after the removal.
During your initial assessment and consultation with the surgeon, they will also talk to you about dental implants—another field they’re extremely experienced in.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, which provide a strong foundation for future replacement teeth. They’re designed to blend in with your natural teeth both in appearance and function.
The first step begins with a post being surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once it’s implanted, you’ll be sent home to heal and rest. It takes some time, but this post will eventually fuse to your jawbone and act as a permanent support for a future tooth.
Your surgeon will keep in touch to check on the progress of this healing and may call you back in so they can monitor the process. Once it’s properly fused to the bone, the surgeon will place an abutment on the post, which is a small connector piece that links the post to the replacement tooth. Finally, a custom-made artificial tooth is attached to the abutment, often by your dentist, completing your dental implant process.
How Soon Can You Get a Dental Implant After an Extraction?
It’s possible that the surgeon will recommend performing the initial post installation immediately after extracting a tooth. However, this isn’t always guaranteed. Many factors can contribute to whether or not they’ll recommend this procedure, including:
- Your overall health status
- The condition of the jawbone area
- The health and condition of your gums
- The specific location of the tooth
- Whether or not you have any underlying health conditions
These all play a significant role in whether or not you can get the implant immediately. If your surgeon thinks it’d be a better idea to wait, they’ll likely recommend you go home and heal before returning for the implant installation.
While implants can be an excellent and long-lasting way to replace a missing tooth, the procedure can be uncomfortable if too many factors work against it. Remember: your surgeon has your best interests in mind, and they have a great deal of experience regarding dental implants. So, if they think it’s a good idea to wait before installing the implant, it’s best to take their advice.
Tips for Recovering from a Dental Procedure
After your implant is installed, you’ll have a bit of a recovery process. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s recommendations to make this experience as smooth as it can be. They’ll likely advise:
- Taking it easy for at least a day
- Eating soft foods for a few days
- Regularly rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
- Avoiding strenuous activities for a few days
- Taking any prescribed medications as directed
- Avoiding smoking or alcohol
- Keeping the surgical site clean and free from infections
Remember, it’s normal to experience some discomfort and swelling after surgery, but these symptoms should go away after a few days or so. If you experience any long-term pain in the area, contact your dental surgeon.
Here for Your Dental Surgery Needs
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s crucial to seek out a surgeon with the necessary skills and expertise. Your teeth play an important role in your day-to-day life, so you should seek advice from an expert in the field of dental surgery.At Credit Valley Oral Surgery, our team of dedicated oral surgeons is committed to providing exceptional care, prioritizing your comfort and safety throughout the process. If you’re in need of a dental implant or tooth extraction, contact us today.
