Once your tooth is extracted, you’ll likely want to replace it with a dental implant. That’s a good idea – implants are the most lifelike prosthetic teeth! Still, you’ll have to wait a while after the first treatment to get the second one. Some time has to pass post-extraction for your mouth to be ready for an implant post. As for how much, your Dallas dentist will gladly explain. Here’s a primer on how soon you can get a dental implant after a tooth extraction.
When Can You Get a Dental Implant Post-Extraction?
Following a tooth extraction, the wait for a dental implant can vary. That said, most patients can only have the post placed after ten weeks or so.
Your final wait time will depend on the specifics of your case. For example, it may dip below the 10-week mark if your mouth tissue is healthy and your jaw is strong. It could also last longer than ten weeks if your gums and jaw are in really bad shape. Due to these possibilities, make sure to consult your dentist to get an exact estimate.
Why Do You Have to Wait?
You have to wait so your mouth can heal from the extraction process. Ultimately, you won’t be well enough for dental implant placement until it does.
Remember, a tooth extraction cuts into your gums and forcefully removes a tooth. Your mouth can’t instantly recover from things like that; it needs time to recover and form a blood clot. If you get implant surgery before that happens, you’ll likely suffer implant failure, an infection, or worse.
The Wait is Worthwhile
Thankfully, the post-extraction wait is worth it. Your final dental implant will have benefits that make up for the lost time, including:
- Gorgeous, Lifelike Looks – Dental implants fuse with your jaw, so they act more like natural teeth than dentures or dental bridges. They’re also capped with porcelain that lets them blend seamlessly with your smile!
- A Younger Face – If untreated, a smile gap will cause further tooth loss and facial collapse. A dental implant would prevent those effects, helping your face look (and feel) firmer and younger.
- Long-Lasting Results – Modern dental implants tend to have long lifespans. An average one can last 15-20 years, while well-maintained posts can work for 30 years or more.
Even if you’re eager, remember to wait for a dental implant after a tooth extraction. You and your smile will be glad you did!
About the Practice
Sunny Smile Dental is based in Dallas, TX. Led by our own Dr. Sun-Hee Lee, we take pride in providing comprehensive dental care for local families. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatments, you can trust our team to get the dental job done. We’re even ready to align your smile with traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners! For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (972)-481-8800.