Worth noting, though, while replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant is an excellent solution, timing is everything between the tooth extraction and the implant. Various steps and factors will lead you to the perfect timing.
Understanding Tooth Extraction and Dental Implants
Extraction of a Tooth: Extraction typically occurs when the tooth is beyond being saved and is taken out from its socket in the jawbone. Normally, it is done if the structure of the tooth is jeopardized by breakage or the damage to it through decay or infection is irreparable. Following extraction, a certain amount of time will have to be spent to let the area where the tooth was taken out heal.
Dental Implants: The small metal post called a dental implant is surgically set into the jawbone. It replaces the natural root with an artificial one for an artificial tooth or crown. The implants look and function like natural teeth and are durable options for replacing missing teeth.
Healing Following Tooth Extraction
Gum Tissue Healing: When a tooth is removed, the gum tissue has to form a blood clot over the wound to seal it and enable new tissue to grow, which may take several weeks or even months.
Bone Healing: Involves the bone, from which the tooth was extracted, and it takes some time to heal and get thicker. It is called remodeling of the bone—a process that alters the shape and strength of the bone. While all this healing is taking place, the bone can shift.
Factors Affecting Healing: The time required for healing depends upon the site from where the tooth was extracted, one’s general health, and also upon how good the post-care instructions have been followed. Healing can take a longer time in case there has been extensive damage or infection.
How Much Does Everyone Wait for Dental Implants?
Immediate Implants: Sometimes, an implant can be placed right after the tooth is extracted. This is called immediate implantation and is only possible if the extraction site is healthy and has enough bone to support the implant. While this is a convenient approach, it’s not suitable for everybody.
Early Placement: Most people wait about 2 to 3 months following the extraction. By this time, the gums and bone have usually somewhat stabilized, and the implant can be satisfactorily positioned. You may wear a temporary tooth replacement, like a denture or bridge, during this waiting time.
Delayed Placement: Other patients are recommended to wait 4 to 6 months or even longer after the extraction. This could be necessary in cases of complications, where an infection occurred or there was also excessive bone loss. In such a case, other treatments, like bone grafting, would be needed in preparation for the implant.
Factors That Determine How Long You Wait
Following are some of the factors that determine how long you need to wait between having your tooth extracted and placing the dental implant:
Bone Density: The quality and quantity of the jawbone are what an implant’s success depends on. If the bone is too narrow or not dense, you may have to go for a bone graft in order to build up your bone for the placement of the implant.
Gum Health: A healthy implant requires a healthy gum. If your gums were infected or damaged at that time during extraction, then it definitely needed some time to cure. Your regular check-up visits help doctors get to know whether or not your gums are healthy enough for an implant procedure.
General Health: General health can impact the speed at which you heal. Diseases like diabetes and any other medication that affects bones will delay recovery. Your general health is among the factors that Dr. Patel considers in planning a suitable timing for your implant.
Preparation for Your Dental Implant
Care After Extraction: After extraction, proper care is needed to pave the way for the healing process. Proper care will involve following doctor instructions on how to clean the area, medication intake, and pain management.
Follow-Up Visits: Continue your routine visits to the dentist to check on your healing. Dentist in Mt Vernon, NY will monitor the progress and will advise you when the best time will be for placing the implant.
Bone and Gum Health: Should supporting procedures like bone grafting be advised, follow through with dentist advice. These procedures will help in building the quality of bone and hence prepare it for the reception of the implant.
Temporary Replacement Options: While one waits for the implant, he could replace it temporarily with dentures or bridges. These options help him lead his life as normal and look natural until the time the implant is prepared.
Alternate Options to Dental Implants
If your teeth are not ready to take on an immediate implant, here are some alternatives you can look at:
Denture: These are prosthetic devices that are worn in the place of missing teeth. Dentures can be a good temporary solution while you wait for your implant.
Dental Bridges: A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth. It is supported by a neighboring tooth. It might be a quite successful temporary solution.
Partial Dentures: If you have several missing teeth, partial dentures can cover a few of them at once. They are removable and can be used to kill time while waiting for implants.
What to Expect After Implant Placement
After your dental implant is placed, the healing process pretty much remains the same. Here’s what to expect:
Osseointegration: The implant will now start to integrate into the jawbone. This may take a few months and is an important step in ensuring the stability of your implant.
Temporary Restoration: You will be fitted with a temporary crown or denture in this stage to wear while the implant is osseointegration.
Follow-Up Appointments: You will have several follow-up appointments with Dr. Patel, which will confirm whether your implant is healing well and good oral health is maintained.
Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene will help your implant and your remaining teeth last longer. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as follow-up visits to the dentist will be so important for routine follow-ups.
Conclusion
The timing between the tooth extraction and the placement of a dental implant has to be appropriate to get the optimal result. Moreover, the right timing does depend on several factors: bone density, gum conditions, and the patient’s overall health. At Aurora Smiles, Mt. Vernon NY, Dr. Amul Patel will walk you through the steps and find a good time for your implant. Any other question or information about the dental implant or any other service contact at Aurora Smiles. Dr. Amul Patel and his team will guide you through on how best to take care of your oral health.