We can restore your smile when a natural tooth can’t be saved. Nearly 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and for many, the combination of extraction followed by implant placement offers the best long-term solution.
Sometimes a severely damaged or infected tooth simply can’t be saved with a root canal or crown. When this happens, tooth extraction is necessary to protect oral health. The good news? Modern dental implants can replace the root and crown of your missing tooth, preventing the bone loss and tooth shifting that naturally occur after extraction.
The process isn’t always straightforward, though. Our dentist must carefully time the implant placement based on factors like bone density, gum health, and whether infection is present. Some patients can receive their implant on the same day as extraction, while others need months of healing first.
Understanding this timeline helps you make informed decisions about your treatment. After all, replacing a missing tooth isn’t just about appearance. It’s about maintaining your ability to chew, speak clearly, and preserve your facial structure for years.
Can I Get Implants After a Tooth Extraction?
Nobody wants to lose a tooth, but sometimes it’s the best path forward. At Canatella Dental, we always try to save your natural tooth first through root canals or crowns. When that’s not possible, tooth extraction and implants give you the closest thing to having your natural tooth back.
Think of a dental implant as a high-tech replacement root. We place a titanium post into your jawbone where your tooth root used to be. Over the next few months, something pretty amazing happens – your bone actually grows around and bonds with that titanium post through a process called osseointegration.
This isn’t just surface-level attachment. Your bone fuses with the implant to create a foundation that’s often stronger than your original tooth root. The whole process takes about three to six months, but the result lasts for decades.
The timing of your implant placement depends on your situation. Some patients can get their implant the same day we remove their tooth. Others need to wait a few weeks or months for healing. We look at factors like your bone density, gum health, and whether there’s any infection present.
Sometimes we need to add bone grafting to the mix. If your jawbone doesn’t have enough volume to support an implant, we can build it up using either your own bone or synthetic materials. Yes, this adds time to your treatment, but it dramatically improves your chances of long-term success.
The actual procedures are more comfortable than most people expect. We use local anesthesia for both extractions and implant placement. If you’re feeling anxious, we also offer sedation options. Most patients tell us the discomfort afterward is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
Why We Replace Extracted Teeth
Sometimes, a tooth has to be removed because it’s too damaged to fix. This can happen if the tooth has a deep cavity, if gum disease has made it loose, or if the tooth is badly broken from an accident or sports injury. Wisdom teeth may also need to come out if they’re stuck under the gums or crowding other teeth. In some cases, a dentist may even remove teeth to make room during braces treatment.
When a tooth is pulled, your body quickly starts to adjust. A blood clot forms in the empty space to help the area heal. But what many people don’t know is that the jawbone underneath the missing tooth also begins to change.
Your jawbone stays strong because of the pressure and movement caused by chewing. Without a tooth root there to keep it active, the bone starts to shrink. In fact, up to 50% of the bone’s width in that spot can disappear within a year. Most of that loss can happen in the first three months after we remove the tooth.
This bone loss can lead to other problems. Nearby teeth might shift into the open space, messing up your bite. Over time, your face may even look different, especially around your mouth, where it can start to look sunken in.
That’s why it’s important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Dental implants are the best option because they work like natural tooth roots. They help keep your jawbone healthy and strong, unlike bridges or dentures, which sit on top of the gums and don’t prevent bone loss. Replacing missing teeth early helps protect your smile and your overall oral health.
Tooth Extraction Timing and Implants
The timing of your implant placement depends on what you need. We have three main approaches, each with its own advantages. Understanding these options helps you plan your treatment and know what to expect.
Immediate Placement
You can get your implant the same day we remove your tooth. This works best when you have healthy gums, good bone density, and no active infection. The extraction site needs intact socket walls and enough bone to hold the implant steady right away. Front teeth and premolars are often good candidates for this approach.
Early Placement
This happens within two to three months after extraction. This gives your gums time to heal while minimizing bone loss. We often recommend this timeline when there’s mild infection or gum inflammation that needs to clear up first. It also gives us time to do any necessary bone grafting.
Delayed Placement
This occurs three to six months or more after extraction. We use this approach when significant bone grafting is needed or when infection must be completely eliminated. While waiting longer might feel frustrating, it often gives us the most predictable results in challenging cases.
The ten-week minimum healing guideline applies to most delayed cases. This allows complete soft tissue healing and initial bone remodeling. But waiting too long can actually make things more complicated, as continued bone loss might require additional procedures.
Your bone changes quickly after extraction. The first three months see the most dramatic shifts, which is why early placement within this window can be beneficial. After six months, bone loss slows down but continues throughout life without root stimulation.
Any signs of infection must be completely gone before we place an implant. This might mean antibiotic treatment and extra healing time. We carefully monitor extraction sites to make sure they’re healing properly before moving to the next step.
Am I a Candidate for Implants?
Dental implants succeed in over 95% of cases when placed with proper timing and technique. This impressive track record makes them the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. But certain factors can influence whether you’re a good candidate and how well your implant will do.
Immediate Placement
The benefits include shorter treatment time, fewer surgeries, and better preservation of your gum and bone tissue. Many patients prefer this approach because they leave our office with their tooth replacement already in progress. Immediate placement often gives better aesthetic results too, especially for front teeth where your gum line shows when you smile.
Delayed Placement
The advantages become clear in complex cases. The extra healing time allows complete infection clearance and optimal bone healing. This approach often gives more predictable results when bone grafting is needed or when the extraction was particularly difficult.
Smoking
Smoking significantly hurts implant success rates. Smokers face 15% to 30% higher complication rates compared to non-smokers. Nicotine reduces blood flow to your gums and bone, making healing slower and less predictable. We strongly recommend quitting smoking before implant treatment and staying smoke-free throughout healing.
Osteoporosis
This health problem and certain medications can affect bone quality and healing. Patients taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis might need special treatment protocols to prevent rare but serious complications. We work closely with your physician to coordinate safe treatment timing.
Health Conditions
Uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing and increase infection risk. Good blood sugar control is necessary for optimal implant outcomes. We might recommend getting medical conditions well-managed before starting treatment.
Age alone doesn’t disqualify anyone from implant treatment. We’ve successfully placed implants in patients well into their 80s and 90s. Your overall health and bone quality matter much more than your age.
Schedule a Consultation
At Canatella Dental, we take a patient-focused approach to help you understand all your options. Our team uses the latest technology and techniques to provide honest recommendations based on your specific situation.
Call 504-282-0700 to contact our office to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you achieve optimal oral health and restore your confident smile.