As a kid, you couldn’t wait until the holidays arrived. It could feel like forever because you counted down every day. On the flip side, whenever you had to experience anything remotely unpleasant, you just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible! You may have more patience for certain things as an adult, but you may anxiously anticipate getting your tooth replacement done even before your tooth extraction happens. Like a child, you look forward to the result and don’t want to wait any longer than necessary, which begs the question: how soon after tooth extraction can you get dental implants? Keep reading to find out the answer!
Usual Requirements for Dental Implants
Whether you’re getting one or multiple implants, typically you need to meet certain criteria. For instance, you must have enough jawbone tissue to support the post. Without substantial density, the jawbone won’t be able to stabilize and hold the implant in place. Also, your gum tissue cannot have an infection. If you have gum disease, your chances of having successful implants drop significantly.
Fortunately, even those who don’t initially qualify for dental implants can get into a better position for them. Your dentist may recommend getting a bone graft, gum disease treatment, and other therapies that can prepare you to enjoy the best that tooth replacement has to offer.
All-on-4 Implant Requirements
For those who have no natural teeth left (or soon will after their extraction), another option might be available. All-on-4 dental implants share a similar concept with traditional implants in that they are embedded in the jawbone, but these special, longer implants are more strategically inserted. Instead of connecting to the nearest area of bone, All-on-4 implant posts are angled to attach to the strongest part of the jawbone. As a result, you can get an entire arch replaced with minimal posts even with lower jawbone density.
Typical Timing for Dental Implants
Although many dentists typically wait at least a few months after a tooth extraction to allow the site to heal before they put in a dental implant, it is possible to have both done in the same appointment—if the jawbone and gum tissues are healthy enough. After these two or three months, a bone graft, along with more time for healing, may become necessary. This delay may be frustrating, but it often increases the odds of implant success.
Timing and Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Not only do All-on-4 implants give you everything that traditional ones do, like a more secure bite, longer-lasting result, and more confidence, but they give so much more! They require fewer posts (just 4 for an entire arch), and you don’t have to worry about undergoing a bone graft, which is helpful because immediately after losing just one tooth can start the deterioration process for the jawbone. Plus, you can get your teeth on the same day as your implant placement! That’s months sooner than the traditional route.
The exact timing between extraction and implant placement varies from patient to patient, but your dentist should break down a recommended timeline. If you are in a position where All-on-4 implants are a viable option for you, you may have a shorter treatment plan. However, even if you must wait a few months for traditional implants, just know that having a truly complete, strong smile again will be worth the time and effort in the end, just like the holidays for a child.
About the Practice
Pioneer Greens Dentistry is proud to have two talented, highly trained dentists as well as an amazing support team on staff. For dental implant patients, we can handle every step of the process in-house, which saves you time and money going to a specialist. We also customize your treatment to your needs and goals to ensure your success and satisfaction. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, reach out to us online here or call our Lincoln office at 402-483-7502.