How Soon After Extraction Can You Get a Dental Implant?
Your dentist in Oak Lawn, IL, can recommend tooth extraction if you have severe decay or teeth damaged beyond repair. While the gaps between the gums may appear unimportant, your chewing strength and bone health might be at risk.
Bridges and partial dentures can replace missing teeth. However, implants are becoming increasingly popular as the treatment of choice. But, how soon do you need a teeth replacement after tooth extraction?
What Happens to Your Mouth and Jaw After Your Teeth Are Extracted?
When you lose teeth, it’s not just the visible parts of your mouth that are affected. The roots of your teeth also play an important role in holding your jawbone in place. When these are no longer present, the bone underneath can deteriorate. There’s no longer anything stimulating it and encouraging new growth.
If you don’t replace your teeth, the bone loss can cause your jaw to change shape. This can make it more difficult to eat and speak properly. It can also affect the way you look, as your jawline may start to sink in.
How Can Dental Implants Help?
Teeth implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. They’re made up of two parts: a metal post inserted into your jawbone and an artificial tooth (called a crown) attached to the post.
Dental implants act as substitutes for your natural roots. This means they can help stop or prevent bone loss in your jaw. They can also help support your artificial teeth and make them feel more natural.
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to hold the implant.
What are the Types of Dental Implants?
The dental implant types include:
- Endosteal implants
Endosteal implants are the traditional options, and they are placed directly into the bone. It is shaped like a small screw and is made of titanium.
- Subperiosteal implants?
Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gums but on or above the jawbone. They are mostly used on people who lack enough bone support but do not want a bone graft.
- Mini Dental Implants?
Mini Dental Implants (MDIs) are a smaller version of traditional endosteal dental implants. MDIs have a diameter of fewer than 3 millimeters, while traditional endosteal dental implants have a diameter of about 4 to 5 millimeters.
When Can Implants Be Fixed After Tooth Extraction?
After your teeth are removed, the sockets will need time to heal where they used to be. Your dentist 60453 will usually wait until this healing is complete before recommending dental implants near you. Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, this could take anywhere from four to eight weeks. The healing process may take several months, but it’s worth waiting for a permanent, natural-looking solution to your tooth loss.
If you’re getting dental implants to replace all of your teeth, you may need to wear a denture or bridge during the healing process. Once your implants have bonded with your jawbone, you can get a custom-made replacement tooth.
What is the Tooth extraction and Implant Timeline?
Getting dental implants in Oak Lawn, IL, will begin with teeth removal. The timeline of the procedure includes:
- Tooth removal
The first step of the implant is to remove the damaged teeth that the implant will replace. You will need post-extraction healing time before the implants are fixed.
- Bone grafting
Bone grafting is not for everyone, but it is done to add bone material to the jaw. However, if you require this procedure, you will have a few weeks to several months added to your implant timeline.
- Inserting the implant
The implant base is inserted after your dentist is confident you have enough bone for the implant, generally 2-3 months after the grafting procedure. This screw firmly attaches to the bone as your jaw grows around it. You may require a temporary covering over the implant while waiting for the bone to encircle it.
- Healing
Once the post has been placed, it will take some time to fuse with the bone (a process called osseointegration). This can take 4-6 months. Adopt a soft diet that requires less chewing, and be careful while brushing and flossing around it.
- Placing the abutment and crown
Your dentist will place an abutment (a small connector piece) on the post to attach the new tooth. The final step is to place a new tooth (a crown) on the abutment. The new tooth will match your natural teeth in color and shape.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Forrest Tower DDS for more information about dental implants and what you can expect.