Is 2 to 3 months too long till I get an implant after I just got an extraction? How long should I wait? Can I still brush?

Question

About a quarter of my tooth fell out a couple of weeks ago due to eating a lot of candy as a kid and I went to several dentist that suggested I get an implant since I'm only 19 years old. My tooth has been extracted but how long do I wait till I get the implant? My dentist said for 3 months but is that too long?

Richard Champagne, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Assuming that the extraction was done without trauma to the surrounding bone and that the extraction site was grafted, then 3 to 4 months is the ideal time to wait for dental implant placement. This will allow the graft material to form immature bone which is an ideal environment for dental implant placement.Depending upon which tooth is being replaced, sometimes it is even more ideal to place the dental implant at the time of the extraction, providing that all conditions are ideal.I hope you found this information helpful,Dr. Champagne

Barry Jason, DDS · Answer

If the tooth has already been removed, your dentist should be aware if a bone graft should be needed or if there already is sufficient bone to place an implant. Many dentists like to wait for several reasons.  1. To be sure there is no recurrent infection and that the site starts healing well  and 2. If your soft tissue is closing over the site the implant can be placed and then sutures can re-close the area allowing for healing without potential contamination from oral fluids and bacteria.  However some dentists feel fine in placing the implant exposed to the environment.  The decision rests with your experience implant practitioner.  Waiting 2-3 months is not a bad idea and yes brush the area to keep it clean

Cary Ganz, DDS · Answer

Normally the decision to wait is determined by the dentist placing the implant. In truth, the longer the better within reason. It take a while for the bone to fill the space where the old tooth was and for that bone to solidify. Three months or more is just fine. I would wait too long since there is always the possibility of the adjacent or opposing teeth to move into the space causing issues with implant placement.

Nicholas Cobb, DDS · Answer

Yes you need to wait 3 months. You are waiting so that bone can fill in the extraction site. Yes keep brushing like normal and then 3 months after the extraction have the implant placed.

Is 2 to 3 months too long till I get an implant after I just got an extraction? How long should I wait? Can I still brush?

Answers (4)

Answer: 3 months

Answer: 3 months

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

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Is 2 to 3 months too long till I get an implant after I just got an extraction? How long should I wait? Can I still brush?

Answers (4)

Answer: 3 months

Answer: 3 months

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.