Although most dentists try to avoid tooth extractions at all costs, it’s sometimes the only choice. This is especially the case when a wisdom tooth is impacted. This leaves you with a vacated space in your mouth that can cause the surrounding teeth to shift. Thankfully, the shifting can be prevented with the placement of a dental implant, but how long do you have to wait? Continue reading to find out when you can get dental implants after tooth extraction.
What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?
Typically, there are a series of events that will occur after having a tooth pulled. Here’s what you can expect to happen:
Swelling
It’s not uncommon for there to be inflammation around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face. The swelling usually happens the day following the surgery and will not reach its peak until the second or third day.
To reduce the inflammation, apply ice packs to the side of the face where the surgery was performed. This should be done for the first 24 to 36 hours.
Pain
Usually, an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can be used to help reduce swelling and discomfort. In some instances, the dentist will prescribe pain medication, which could leave you feeling groggy and lethargic. Thus, you should abstain from driving a vehicle or operating machinery while medicated.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
By sticking to a soft-food diet for the first 4-7 days following your surgery and practicing careful dental hygiene, you can likely recover within a two-week span. Ultimately, it comes down to your overall health and the complexity of your extraction.
When it comes to a timeline for dental implant placement, here are the three primary options:
- Immediate Placement – Can occur if you have healthy tissue and sufficient bone structure, and is more commonly used when there has been trauma or an injury
- Early Placement – Occurs around two to three months after your tooth extraction, allowing time for the gums and supporting tissue to heal
- Delayed Placement – Occurs several months after surgery, and is required in cases of prolonged decay and that may involve a bone grafting procedure
Every Situation Is Different
While the above parameters give you an idea of how long you’ll need to wait to have your extracted tooth replaced with a dental implant, it ultimately comes down to what will work best for you. The only way to determine that for sure is to visit a local dentist for a consultation and examination. After fully assessing your teeth, gums and underlying bone mass, the dentist can recommend the proper course of action.
Then, by proceeding with care, you can see improvements in your dental health, while maintaining the functionality you need and desire!
About the Author
Dr. James A. Moreau, Jr. earned his dental degree from the Louisiana State University College of Dentistry. Throughout his career, he has acquired a wealth of knowledge, receiving advanced training in dental implantation, oral surgery, prosthetics and a host of other areas. Dr. Moreau eagerly helps his patients regain their full functionality by extracting teeth and replacing them with dental implants at More Smiles Dental Spa, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.