I got my tooth pulled 2-3 weeks ago, dentist never mentioned grafting, but should I get it done for my implant?

It is common to graft bone at the time of extraction, but many dentists choose to graft at the time of implantation.  If you are planning to get an implant in the space of your 2nd molar, it is pretty important that you have adequate bone structure to accommodate the huge amount of force that molars deal with on a regular basis.  My advice to you, ask your dentist if or when he/she plans to graft any bone.  This will insure that you guys are on the same page.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

It is best to graft the socket at the same time as extraction. Sometimes a dentist may elect to not graft at that time if there is a large infection and is worried that the graft may not be successful because of it. Grafting is still possible at the time of implant placement, as well.

Bone grafting, if it was necessary, should have been done at time of tooth extraction. At this time, it is best to let the site heal and have it evaluated in 2.5 to 3 months by taking a CBCT (cone beam CT) to check the bone dimensions and whether it is adequate for implant placement. If not, bone grafting can be done at that time.Hope this is helpful

The answer to that question depends on two things....did your bone remaining around the socket after tooth removal have ideal shape and size to grow back more bone or not and ....did the dentist who removed the tooth have the necessary training to do bone grafts.Many teeth are removed and don't need bone grafts to get implants placed in that socket area. However, when there is deficient bone, the grafting is needed. Commonly, root canal treated teeth that fail cause bone loss, particularly at the root apex and facial bone plate....exactly where the implant needs bone. The best thing to do is to have a Cone Beam CT scan of the bone to determine if more bone is needed. A trained oral implantologist dentist is best to serve your needs in advanced cases...those who have attended extensive and indepth classes on the subject.