Dental implants are a reliable replacement option if a patient has a tooth extracted. There are many reasons to pull permanent teeth, including infection, irreversible damage, and a crowded mouth. A dentist may recommend an implant if a patient is experiencing difficulties with chewing or speaking, or if the person is self-conscious about smiling. It is important for a patient to understand what is the healing process after a tooth extraction and how to prepare their mouth for a dental implant.
During tooth extraction, a dental professional pulls the tooth from the bony socket in the jaw. Once the tooth is removed, the patient needs to allow time for the bone to heal. While the majority of tooth extractions are simple and safe, complications can arise. However, patients have a fair amount of control over how well their mouth heals by following the care recommendations from the dentist.
Immediately following a tooth extraction, the dentist places a gauze pack on the site to limit bleeding. The patient can remove the gauze after about 30 to 45 minutes. A blood clot needs to form to help with the healing process.
Do not rinse the mouth or drink through a straw for at least 24 hours. A patient can brush and floss other teeth, but should avoid cleaning any teeth next to the site. Proper care of the site avoids complications such as dry socket. Some swelling and pain is common after tooth extraction; therefore, a dentist may prescribe medication.
A patient should see improvements in pain within two to three days following extraction. During the next few weeks, a patient should perform rinses of warm salt water to kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent infection, and avoid hard foods such as chips and toast. Care should be taken not to bite down on the site in the mouth. The healing period for a simple tooth extraction typically takes up to 10 days, depending on a variety of factors such as age and overall health.
In the past, a tooth extraction site was left to heal for several months before placing dental implants. However, improvements in dental implant hardware and patient demand for faster implantation has shortened or eliminated healing time. There is some research that suggests that immediate placement of the dental implant after extraction counteracts complications such as shifting teeth and bone loss.
Conversely, a dental professional may suggest waiting several weeks or months before placing a dental implant. Factors including bone integrity and thickness, tissue structure, and general and oral health may be considered. The process for receiving a dental implant typically consists of three phases: Placement of implant, healing, and placement of prosthesis. If taken care of properly, a dental implant lasts for many years.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Implants in Needham, MA
Tooth extraction and subsequent placement of dental implants is an individualized process. A consultation with a dental professional can clarify the correct timing for each patient.
Request an appointment or call Brede Ciapciak Dental at 781-443-8134 for an appointment in our Needham office.
If you are dealing with significant dental trauma or tooth loss, dental implants are a permanent solution that can help restore your smile. The gaps created from missing teeth can also impact speaking and chewing abilities. Many patients enjoy the natural-looking and durable results that implants can offer over replacement options like a resin-retained bridge,…
Patients may feel overwhelmed when a dentist suggests dental implants. The process can sound intimidating, but fortunately the practice of providing patients with a brand-new smile has been studied, modernized, and improved over the past several decades. Not only can patients feel confident smiling frequently in public again, but their oral health and daily function…
For patients who have missing teeth, dental implants are a restorative solution that can help in many cases. This treatment has grown increasingly popular in recent years and is often preferred over other options such as traditional dentures.Many patients are unsure of what implants are and how the procedure works. The following explores some of…
As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there are problems with alignment or spacing. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option,…
Invisalign® has been around for a little more than two decades and, in that time, has corrected millions of smiles. As a result, dentists feel confident recommending Invisalign® for teens, which is precisely what it sounds like — a clear aligner system designed specifically for teens’ smiles. As a parent, you may have several concerns…