Individuals stress out about losing their teeth before getting the implant procedure. The good thing is that there is no reason to go toothless in the first place. Knowing how the procedure of implants works should give you some peace and help in your process of getting treatment.

Immediate vs. Delayed Implant Placement

Some patients are eligible for receiving immediate dental implants where the implant is inserted straight after a tooth extraction. Others are required to let the area heal first prior to getting the implant. This is determined by a variety of circumstances, such as the condition of the jawbone, the gums, and the risk of infection.

Factors That Affect Timing

Some of the aspects that allow for a quick insertion of the implants include the bone density and gum health. If the jawbone is strong enough to support the implant, immediate placement will be possible. If that is not the case, it means you have to go through a healing phase before receiving the implantation.

Immediate Dental Implants

Same day implants let the patient retain their smile without the awkward gap in the teeth. Having an implant placed immediately while pulling out a tooth means fewer surgeries in total. Unfortunately, this is not for everyone. The dentist will examine your oral health to assess your eligibility.

Healing Period for Delayed Implants

Bone healing has to occur before an implant can be placed, so if a bone graft was done an implant may need to be placed from three to six months after the extraction. In this time, the bone is healing, ensuring that the implant will not fail if placed.

Temporary Solutions During the Waiting Period

If you must wait for your implant, temporary solutions exist to fill the gap. The patient can have some partial dentures or even bridges made which allow them to smile and eat normally. These solutions also help in stabilizing the remaining teeth and maintaining the proper bite.

Why Do Some Patients Need to Wait?

Bone grafting or infection may delay implants. Those who have a lack of bone during the implant procedure will need to wait a while to ensure there is a useful base to place the implant. For patients infected with gum disease or other infections, dentists have to carry out treatment before the implant procedure can be done to avoid further complications.

How You Know if You Qualify for Getting Implants Instantly

A specialist in Dental Implants will let you know whether you can go for immediate placement or not. Before the approach is suggested, your doctor will look into tapering factors such as your gums, bone density and oral hygiene. 

Why Bone Health is Important for Implants

First and foremost, a strong jawbone is critical, if you want successful implants. If your bone is weak or insufficient, then a bone graft may be needed prior to having the implant placed. A bone graft is the dental procedure of adding bone material to the jaw to establish a more secure base for the implant.

Can You Get an Implant Years After Tooth Loss?

Absolutely! If you have lost a tooth decades ago, you do have the chance to place an implant. The dentist will check the health of the bones and prescribe the finest strategy. In some situations, a bone graft will be required to aid in restoring the density of the lost jawbone. 

Conclusion

Implants can often be received almost immediately, a dental professional no longer needs the patient to be completely toothless to insert the implants. If there is a need to delay the insertion, there are also temporary methods that don’t require the patient to cover their mouth while waiting. Schedule a consultation with a skilled provider of Dental Implants in La Porte, TX, to explore your implant options and restore your confident smile.