Undergoing oral surgery and receiving a tooth extraction can be an unpleasant experience. An even more unpleasant feeling is continuing your day-to-day with a missing tooth. Not only can it be uncomfortable, but it can also be inconvenient, especially when trying to eat or speak. It’s perfectly understandable why you’d want to fill that gap in your teeth as soon as possible. Your dentist will most likely recommend a dental implant, but when one receives an implant after extraction will vary from patient to patient.
What Is Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal screws and is for people who need replacements for damaged or missing teeth. A small hole called an osteotomy is made in the bone and the titanium implant is carefully screwed into this hole at a predefined torque value. Usually a healing cap is screwed into the implant to give the Dentist access to the implant after healing has occurred. Healing usually takes 3-4 months. During the time the bone grows into all the microscopic gaps on the surface of the implant which stabilizes it. After healing a crown can be made and this crown would replace the healing cap.
A dental implant may be the right option for patients who:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have healthy tissues
- Have a jawbone that can support the implants
- Are unable to wear dentures
- Don’t have health conditions that can compromise the healing process
- Don’t smoke
Immediate Implant Placement
Sometimes it’s possible to receive an immediate placement during the same appointment as the extraction. An immediate implant placement option may work for you if you’re free of gum disease and have a healthy jawbone that can support the implant.
While immediate placement after extraction can help dentists reduce the number of surgical procedures, it also has drawbacks. For example, an immediate implant is a more complex treatment and may lead to a higher implant failure rate.
Early Implant Placement
Early implant placement, also known as immediate-delayed implant placement, often occurs 2-3 months after extraction. Why the long wait? Well, it’s to ensure that your gums are healed and give your body time to fight any potential infections. Because this procedure happens soon after a tooth extraction, it allows you to avoid the risk of receiving a bone graft.
Delayed Implant Placement
Delayed implants happen more than 3 months after extraction. This implant option is necessary if gum disease or another condition has impacted the health of your oral tissues. This approach is also usually the most predictable. If you’re experiencing an oral problem after extraction, you may require a bone graft or another procedure before your tooth replacement surgery.
How To Avoid Unnecessary Delays
You may not have a choice if you want to speed up the time frame of your procedure. However, you can follow some specific steps to avoid unnecessary delays before receiving dental implants in Winnipeg.
- Talk to your dentist: Discuss the possibility of a dental implant with your dentist. If it’s a viable treatment option, let your dentist know you’re interested. This way, they can start their preparation for the procedure.
- Take care of your oral health: Practise good oral hygiene habits, especially if you’ve just had a tooth extraction. Brushing and flossing will reduce your chance of gum disease, which would delay your implant procedure. If you have diabetes or another chronic condition, try to keep it under control, as it can also affect your tooth replacement.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues that may impact your dental implant surgery.
It can be hard to determine how long it will take to replace your tooth loss. It’s integral to stay patient and continue taking care of your oral health.
Are Implants Worth the Wait?
Knowing that you may have to wait an extended period before receiving your dental implant can make you question whether the wait is worth it. Trust us, we understand that going that long without one or more teeth can be a lot to ask, but there are several reasons why waiting for your implant is worth it.
- Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are designed to last a lifetime.
- 95% of patients that undergo implants will have them successfully bond with their jawbone.
- Implants are meant to mimic the tooth root, which stimulates your jaw and jawbone growth.
- An implant can provide the foundation of a natural-looking crown.
- Receiving implants reduces the risk of bone resorption, which occurs when you’re missing a tooth.
Want to learn more about receiving a tooth implant? Contact your Winnipeg dentist today. Our clinic provides several dental services, including implants. We can assess your oral health and go over your tooth replacement options to ensure you maintain your beautiful, healthy smile.