Going From Tooth Extraction to Dental Implant Placement
Losing a tooth can be stressful, whether due to damage, decay, or injury. Moreover, if our Plantation, FL, dentists need to perform a tooth extraction, you may be wondering how long it will take before you can pursue dental restoration. The good news is that dental implants provide a durable, natural-looking solution for , and the process is carefully planned to ensure long-term success.
While every patient’s timeline varies, here’s what you can generally expect the process of having a tooth pulled and an implant placed to look like.
Step 1: Tooth Extraction and Healing
If a tooth is severely damaged or decayed beyond repair, tooth removal is the first step in preparing for a dental implant. The procedure is performed inside our Plantation, FL, dental office using local anesthesia to ensure comfort and is straightforward from start to finish. Additional dental sedation can be provided upon request if you need more help relaxing at your appointment.
Once the tooth is removed, the site needs time to heal before dental implant placement. Healing time can vary depending on the patient’s overall health and whether additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are needed to strengthen the jawbone. You can expect for the total healing period to last several weeks without bone grafting and a few months with the procedure.
Step 2: Dental Implant Placement
Once the extraction site has healed sufficiently, the next step is dental implant surgery. This involves placing a titanium post directly into the jawbone, where it will serve as an artificial tooth root and provide much needed stimulation.
Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. It’s important not to rush this process as moving forward before the post is fully integrated with the bone can result in dental implant failure. Additionally, our dentists will let you know if this applies to you, but some patients may be eligible for immediate implant placement at the time of extraction, depending on bone quality and overall oral health.
Step 3: Abutment and Dental Crown Placement
Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, we’ll ask you to come back into our office for the final steps of the tooth replacement process which include:
- Abutment placement – A small connector piece, called an abutment, is attached to the implant post. This serves as the foundation for the final restoration.
- Dental crown placement – A custom-made dental crown is secured to the abutment, completing the process of replacing a missing tooth.
Their lasting strength, ability to preserve bone and adjacent teeth, and natural functionality make single-tooth implants the gold standard for patients seeking to restore teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, tooth implants are low-maintenance and do not require special adhesives or regular adjustments.
How You’ll Feel After the Dental Implant Procedure
It may be surprising to learn that is not nearly as bad as many people think. In fact, the level of discomfort following surgery can be compared to a simple tooth extraction or a dental filling. Most of the time, over-the-counter pain relievers will help alleviate any soreness.
You should also feel no pain whatsoever during the actual surgery. Our dentists will have administered a local anesthetic to the area so other than some pressure, you should be quite comfortable. If you notice any severe discomfort while the dental implant is being placed, please don’t hesitate to speak up and we’ll make sure the area is properly numb before continuing.
Don’t Wait; Ask About Dental Implants Today
While the process takes time, the benefits of choosing this form of restoration after tooth extraction are long-lasting. If you need a tooth removed and want the gap filled in, our dental implant dentists in Plantation serving Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help. Call Barr Dental Group today at (954) 327-7400 to request an appointment and discuss your timeline for tooth replacement.