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Dental implants are an effective option to replace a missing tooth or teeth. This procedure involves surgically placing an artificial tooth root (implant) into your jawbone, which then allows for the placement of a replacement tooth on top.
The process can take several months to complete. It is important to understand the timeline involved to make an informed decision about getting dental implants.
This blog post will explain the tooth extraction and implant timeline and answer these questions: Why is it important to replace a missing tooth? Why choose dental implants? Can a tooth be extracted and a dental implant placed on the same day? How long is recovery?
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Why Is It Important To Replace a Missing Tooth?
- Why Choose Dental Implants?
- Can a Tooth Be Extracted and a Dental Implant Placed on the Same Day?
- Understanding the tooth extraction and implant timeline
- Dental Implants in Boulder, CO
Dental implants provide a durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth, enhancing your self-The process of tooth extraction and implant placement involves several stages, from consultation to final restoration, generally spanning over a period of six months to a year. Each phase, including potential bone grafting, implant placement, and osseointegration, is crucial to ensuring the long-term success and functionality of the dental implant.
Why Is It Important To Replace a Missing Tooth?
Losing a tooth, whether due to injury, decay, or other reasons, can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being.
A missing tooth can affect your ability to chew and speak properly and cause misalignment of the remaining teeth. It can also lead to bone loss in the jawbone, which can affect the stability and appearance of your face.
When the tooth root no longer stimulates the jaw bone, the body will resorb or break down the bone in that area. If you have several missing teeth, this can lead to a sunken or aged appearance of the face.
Replacing a missing tooth is more than just cosmetic; it also plays an important role in maintaining the health and function of your mouth.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most advanced and reliable method for replacing missing teeth. They offer numerous benefits, including:
- Natural appearance: Dental implants are made to look and feel like your natural teeth, providing a seamless replacement that blends in with the rest of your smile.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective long-term solution for missing teeth.
- Improved function: Unlike other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges, dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, providing a stable and strong foundation for chewing and speaking.
- Preserves bone health: As mentioned earlier, when a tooth is missing, the jawbone can start to deteriorate. Dental implants help stimulate and preserve the bone, preventing further bone loss.
Can a Tooth Be Extracted and a Dental Implant Placed on the Same Day?
The short answer is yes, but let’s consider two scenarios to better understand when this is possible and when it may not be recommended.
Scenario #1 – Tooth removal and bone graft
If significant bone loss has occurred in the area of the extracted tooth, a bone graft may be necessary. Bone graft materials are placed at the time of tooth extraction to support the growth of the jaw bone. This step is crucial for the successful placement and integration of a dental implant.
Bone graft healing time varies depending on the individual and the extent of the graft, but it generally takes three to six months for the graft to fully integrate into the jaw bone. Once the healing is complete, our oral surgeons will proceed with implant placement.
Scenario #2 – Immediate implant placement following tooth removal
In cases where the jaw bone is dense and healthy, placing a dental implant immediately following tooth extraction may be possible. This option shortens the overall treatment timeline and enables faster healing.
Understanding the tooth extraction and implant timeline
The tooth extraction and implant timeline can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as the number of teeth being replaced, overall oral health, and any necessary preparatory procedures. In general, however, the process follows a similar timeline:
Consultation (1-2 weeks)
The first step is a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This will involve a review of your medical history, X-rays, and a CT scan.
The implant process is a team effort between your dentist and oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will perform the tooth extraction, bone grafting, and implant placement. Your dentist will make the dental restoration that goes over the dental implant (dental crown, bridge, etc).
Tooth extraction (Day 1)
If the tooth that needs to be replaced is still present, it will need to be extracted before implant placement. The procedure is done under local anesthesia or IV sedation pending the patient’s health and preference, and the length of the appointment will depend on the complexity of the extraction.
Bone grafting will be done at the same time as tooth extraction. As mentioned before, the healing time for a bone graft can take anywhere from three to six months.
Implant placement ( after consult)
Once the jawbone has healed and is ready, the oral surgeon will place the implant into the jaw. This procedure is also done under local anesthesia or IV sedation and may take one or two hours, depending on the number of implants being placed and if additional bone or soft tissue grafting is necessary.
Healing and integration (3-6 months after extraction)
After implant placement, it takes approximately 3 to 6 months for the implant to fully integrate with the jaw bone. This process, known as osseointegration, is crucial for the long-term success of the implant.
Dental restoration (1-3 weeks after confirmation of implant healing)
Once the implant has integrated with the bone, your dentist will make impressions of your mouth to create a custom dental restoration that will fit over the implant. The process typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the type of restoration.
Final result (6-9 months following the initial consultation)
After the dental restoration is attached to the implant, your new tooth will be fully functional and look and feel like a natural tooth. With proper care, it can last a lifetime.
Dental Implants in Boulder, CO
Dental implants offer an innovative and lasting solution for tooth loss. They restore the appearance of your smile and preserve your oral health by preventing bone loss and promoting jawbone growth. Though the process may seem lengthy, each step is crucial in ensuring the long-term success of the implant.
At Foley & Le Oral Surgeons, we have a dedicated team of professionals who prioritize your oral health and strive to provide top-notch dental care. Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life. Call us today at (303) 444-2255 to book your appointment and take the first step towards restoring your beautiful smile.
Our oral surgeons, Dr. Benjamin Foley, Dr. Thao Le, and Dr. Daniel B Foley, have extensive experience in dental implant placement and are committed to providing personalized care for each patient. Trust us to help you achieve a confident, natural-looking smile with the latest advancements in implant dentistry.
If you are searching for ‘dental implants near me’ or ‘the best dental implants near me,’ we can help. Your journey to a healthier, fuller smile begins here!