Although most of us brush and floss daily, trying our hardest to keep our teeth as healthy as possible, the fact is that tooth loss remains a very common problem and despite our best efforts, most of us will lose at least one permanent tooth by the time we reach 40 years of age. In most cases, your dentist will be able to tell you that a tooth is beyond saving before it actually falls out and will arrange to remove it in a process called an extraction.
If you have been told that you need a tooth pulled out, you are probably already thinking about what your options are regarding replacing it. After all, a gap in your smile is not only largely considered unattractive, but it could also compromise your ability to eat and even speak properly. A prosthetic tooth can restore the function and appearance of your smile, enabling you to enjoy a gorgeous grin once more.
Although there are several different options that could replace your missing tooth, an increasing number of patients are opting for dental implants thanks to the unique benefits that they offer.
About dental implants
Dental implants not only replace the visible portion of the tooth, they also replace the tooth root, which they do using a titanium post. This post is inserted into the jaw bone through an incision in your gum. Once in place, the bone and soft tissue heal around the post, creating an imitation root to which the visible part of the tooth – a porcelain crown – is attached.
Since they are secured permanently into your jaw bone, experts consider dental implants to be the most stable and efficient of all dental prosthetics. Other commonly-cited advantages to choosing dental implants include:
– Convenience. There is no need to take them out to clean them, or to enjoy certain foods. They are so secure that you can brush them and eat with them just as though they were natural teeth.
– Esthetics. Dental implants are also known for being the most natural and attractive of all dental prosthetics.
– Less maintenance. Dental implants need less maintenance and do not break as often as bridges or dentures.
How soon can you have an implant placed after an extraction?
Obviously you won’t want to live with a gap in your smile for long. However, exactly how quickly you will be able to have a dental implant placed will depend on multiple factors and your dentist will be able to advise you if immediate placement is possible. If not, you will be advised how long you will need to wait. In most instances, if you have sufficient healthy jaw bone and no underlying dental or health problems, you may be able to have the implant post placed within 2 weeks of your extraction. This is provided that you choose an experienced and skilled dental implant specialist who is knowledgeable in immediate and early placement of implants.
Ultimately, how soon an implant can be placed after extraction depends on the health and viability of the bone and tissue structure present in the patient’s mouth after the tooth has been pulled. If you would like to discuss the possibility of dental implants after tooth extraction, our knowledgeable and skilled team would be delighted to help. Please contact our office to arrange your consultation.
