Can Dental Implants Be Placed Immediately After Extraction?

Context is everything. As a child, losing a tooth felt magical and exciting as you awaited the tooth fairy’s arrival. But as an adult, tooth loss can be unexpected and stressful, even with plenty of smile restoration options like dental implants. 

Normally, rebuilding your smile with dental implants is a long process spanning several months. While the results are well worth it, many people wonder if the dentist can place the dental implant immediately after a tooth extraction. 

The good news is that immediate dental implants are sometimes possible, but the answer depends on several important factors that your dentist will need to carefully evaluate.

What is Immediate Dental Implant Placement?

Immediate dental implant placement, also known as immediate loading, involves placing the implant directly into the extraction site during the same appointment. It’s an approach gaining popularity because it offers several advantages over the typical, more standard road to dental implant placement. 

After a tooth extraction, the socket remains in the jawbone. In ideal cases, your dentist can place an implant immediately into this space, where it essentially takes on the role of your natural tooth root. This implant provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture—whatever path we’re taking to restore your smile. 

Placing a dental implant immediately after an extraction is possible when the site itself is still healthy and the surrounding bone structure is sufficient. Your dentist will assess factors like bone density, the condition of your gums, and the reason for initiating the extraction to determine if immediate placement makes sense for you.

The Key to Successful Immediate Implant Placement

Research suggests that immediate dental implants can be very successful when proper conditions are met. The key lies in achieving good stability, where the implant fits securely in the extraction site. In other words, it’s all in the jawbone. 

Your jawbone needs adequate thickness and density to support the implant. If extracting a tooth was necessary because of an infection or significant bone loss, it’s unlikely your dentist will suggest an immediate implant. Instead, they might recommend bone grafting or waiting for the site to heal first. In other words, a delayed (standard) implant. 

Ideal Candidates for Immediate Implant Placement

Since not everyone qualifies for immediate dental implants, here is what your dentist uses to determine if you’re a suitable candidate: 

• Healthy bone structure: You need sufficient bone volume and density at the extraction site. If periodontal disease or infection has compromised the bone, immediate placement may not be feasible.
• Good overall health: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or certain medications can interfere with healing and implant success. 
• Adequate gum tissue: Healthy gums are essential for proper healing around the implant. If gum disease is present, it typically needs to be addressed before implant placement.
• Realistic expectations: Following postoperative instructions is vital for success. Immediate implants still require time to integrate with your bone.

On the bright side, you don’t have to make this decision alone. Your dentist is here to guide you. 

The Immediate Implant Procedure

Once you're approved for immediate implant placement, the procedure typically happens in stages during a single appointment: 

• Your dentist carefully extracts the damaged tooth while preserving as much surrounding bone and tissue as possible. They use special techniques to minimize trauma to the extraction site.
• They thoroughly clean and evaluate the extraction socket, measuring the area to select an appropriate implant size for good stability. 
• Your dentist places the implant in the socket, often adding bone grafting material to fill any gaps. They might place a temporary crown or let the implant heal beneath the gum line. 

Following all proper aftercare instructions is essential for a full and smooth recovery. You'll need to avoid certain foods, maintain excellent oral hygiene, and attend a series of follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

Alternative Treatment Timeline

In cases where immediate placement isn’t ideal, the road to dental implants follows a more traditional timeline, also known as a delayed implant placement:

• The socket must heal completely after extraction, which can take 8 to 12 weeks as your body naturally fills in the extraction site with new bone.
• Your dentist places the implant during a separate procedure. The implant takes another 3 to 6 months to fully integrate with the remaining jawbone (osseointegration) before your dentist can continue the final restoration process. 

Caring for Your Immediate Implant

Success with immediate dental implants depends heavily on proper aftercare. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions, but general guidelines include:

• Avoiding hard or chewy foods that could disturb the implant site. Stick to soft foods for the first few weeks while healing progresses.
• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene without directly disturbing the implant area. Special rinses or antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
• Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor healing and address any concerns promptly.
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use, as these can significantly impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure.

Invest in Your Smile 

Your oral health is an investment that can last a lifetime, especially when dental implants offer a durable solution to rebuilding your smile. Every patient has their own unique journey. Whether it’s an immediate or delayed implant, the final result—a stable and functional tooth replacement—is worth the process. 

As your dental team, we’re here to keep your smile strong, healthy, and beautiful. Connect with McKenzie Towne Family Dental to book an appointment. Together, we can determine whether immediate dental implants are right for you.