Many people hope to have a tooth removed and an implant placed straight away. In practice some cases can proceed early while others need healing time, and the dentist decides based on each person.
- In some cases an implant can be placed at the time of extraction, but many cases need to wait for healing.
- The wait varies with infection, bone volume and general health, from a few weeks to a few months.
- The dentist usually needs an X-ray to assess bone and decide whether a graft is needed.
- It is wise to talk to the dentist about the implant plan before the tooth is extracted.
Can an implant be placed right after an extraction?
In some cases the dentist can place an implant during the same visit as the extraction, usually when the site is free of infection and the bone is healthy enough to hold the post. However, this is not an option for everyone.
Many other cases need to wait for the extraction site to heal before the post is placed. The waiting time differs between people and can range from a few weeks to a few months.
Why do many cases have to wait?
- The site is inflamed: a tooth with an abscess or infection needs to be cleaned out first, because placing a post in an inflamed area is more likely to cause problems.
- Thin or missing bone: bone can shrink after extraction, and if it is not thick enough a bone graft and healing time may be needed.
- Gum and bone need time: soft tissue usually heals faster than bone.
- Medical conditions or habits that slow healing: such as poorly controlled diabetes or smoking.
What does the dentist consider?
The dentist will examine you and usually request an X-ray to see the amount of bone, the position of the tooth and the condition of the site. Based on this, the dentist advises whether to place the post early or wait, and whether a bone graft is needed. You can read about the steps in our article on what an implant procedure involves and how long it takes.
Is there a problem if the gap is left for a long time?
Waiting for healing is necessary, but leaving a gap too long without review can let the bone shrink and the neighbouring teeth lean towards the space. You may also read about long-term tooth loss and jawbone shrinkage, and whether a missing back tooth needs to be replaced straight away.
What should you do before deciding?
If you have a tooth that needs removing and you plan to have an implant, ask the dentist before the extraction so that a suitable plan can be made and the bone for the future site is preserved.
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Frequently asked questions
How long do people usually wait after extraction before an implant?
It varies, from early placement in suitable cases to waiting a few weeks or months for the site to heal. The dentist decides after examining you and reviewing the X-ray.
Can an implant be placed on an inflamed tooth straight away?
Usually the infection must be cleaned out first and only then is the post placed. The dentist assesses each case.
Is a bone graft always needed after extraction?
Not everyone needs one. It depends on how much bone remains, and the dentist advises after an X-ray.