I had three posterior molars removed a month ago - when to get implants?

Question

I had three posterior molars removed a month ago. The gums. healed and an implant was scheduled. But after eating some non soft food, my gums there became tender but not painful. When can I proceed with the implant procedure

YeahSmile - Cancun · Answer

Tenderness in the gums after eating non-soft food is common during the healing process after tooth extractions, especially as the tissue continues to adapt. If there is no significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection (like redness or pus), it’s likely just mild irritation and not a major concern.
For implants, most dentists wait 3–6 months after extraction to allow the bone and gums to fully heal and stabilize. However, in some cases, implants can be placed earlier, depending on how well your bone and gums have healed.
What You Should Do:-Monitor the Tenderness: If the tenderness resolves in a few days and there are no other symptoms, you should be fine to proceed as planned.-Consult Your Dentist: Before the implant appointment, your dentist will evaluate the area, usually with X-rays, to ensure the bone is ready for the implant.-Soft Diet Before Implant: Stick to softer foods for now to avoid irritating the area before your implant procedure.
Key Point:Tender gums alone don’t usually delay implant placement. Follow your dentist’s guidance&mdash;they’ll confirm if your gums and bone are ready during the pre-implant evaluation.
Dr. Miller Vieira Paula

Miller Vieira Paula, DDS · Answer

Hello there,Tenderness in the gums after eating harder foods may indicate minor irritation or delayed healing in the area where your molars were removed. Implant placement typically requires a solid foundation of fully healed and healthy gum tissue, as well as sufficient underlying bone density. Here’s what you should consider:
1- Healing Timeline:
* After an extraction, the socket generally takes 6–8 weeks to heal enough for an implant. For some patients, particularly if there were complications or bone grafting was involved, this timeline may extend.* Tenderness after eating may indicate that the gums are still adjusting or healing, which might delay the procedure slightly.
2.- Gum Condition:
* If the tenderness persists, consult your dentist or oral surgeon. They can evaluate if the gum tissue is healthy enough for the procedure.* They might recommend an antibacterial rinse, softer foods for a bit longer, or adjustments to your oral hygiene routine to promote healing.
3.- Bone Readiness:
* The implant relies on the bone's strength and density. If there’s any tenderness or suspected delay in healing, your dentist may perform imaging (e.g., an X-ray or CT scan) to confirm that the underlying bone is ready.
4.- Proceeding with the Implant:
* If your gums are tender but not showing signs of infection (e.g., swelling, redness, pus), and your dentist confirms that the site is ready, you can likely proceed soon.* A minor delay (a few weeks) may be advised to ensure the best long-term success of the implant.
What to Do Now:- Avoid eating hard or abrasive foods in that area until the tenderness resolves.- Continue good oral hygiene, including gentle cleaning of the extraction site.- Schedule a follow-up with your dentist or oral surgeon to assess the healing progress.
They’ll give you a specific timeline based on your individual healing and readiness for the implant.
Dr. Miller Vieira Paula

I had three posterior molars removed a month ago - when to get implants?

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I had three posterior molars removed a month ago - when to get implants?

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