An extraction is an outpatient dental procedure in which a dental professional completely removes a tooth from the mouth. Commonly, individuals know this procedure as “getting a tooth pulled.” Following an extraction procedure, a patient has options as to how they wish to restore their smile.
More often than not, a dentist will campaign for a patient to have as many teeth as possible for the sake of chewing. A great option for a patients following an extraction are dental implants. They offer both functionality and aesthetics looking like natural teeth.
Dental Implant Procedure:
The process of receiving dental implants involves three main steps:
1. The dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone.
2. The bone around the implant needs time to properly heal. This process is referred to as osseointegration, when the implant “combines” with the jawbone. For some patients, they need to wait several months until the implant is completely integrated before replacement teeth can be attached and others can have their implants and replacement teeth placed in one visit.
3. The crown is placed to custom fit your implant.
When can I get implants?
If you choose to opt for dental implants, it is important to know the timing of when you could receive an implant following your extraction. Considering that each patient is different, receiving an implant varies on a case-by-case basis. After a dental professional completes a full evaluation, the dentist should be able to provide you with a proper treatment plan including an estimated amount of time to fully complete the process.
Treatment time is contingent on your needs as the patient, medical and dental history and the health of the bone in your jaw. For some patients, receiving your implant can immediately follow your extraction (immediate loading) and for others it could take several months to over a year.
Looking for a dentist?
If you have yet to find the perfect dentist, look no further! Dr. Brian Levitin DDS at Mile High Smiles offers exceptional dental services and wants you to be certain you will receive the exceptional care you as a patient deserve. If you are interested in dental implants or have questions regarding implants, the staff at Mile High Smiles would love to schedule an appointment for you. Mile High Smiles proudly serves the Belmar and Lakewood area for your convenience.