Teeth removed

[Melanie]

Hi

I had two teeth removed back in January this year because they had decayed and broke down. My dentist suggested trying root canal but I decided to have the teeth removed because I preferred to have implants placed instead.

I would like to know when I should come in for the dental implant work to begin. The gum in that area looks like its now fully closed and I think it should be ready now but would appreciate your advice on when would be the best time to begin work.

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

The best time for implant placement after the extractions of teeth is 6 weeks post extraction. This is because as soon as the teeth are extracted the jaw bone undergoes what is called remodeling. Hence a massive activity in the bone. Removal of bone in some area and deposition in another. This window of activity is the ideal time for implant placement because it gives the placed implant the best and highest chance of a successful oseointegration which is needed for the implant to fully integrate and stabilise.

So in your case as it has past the six weeks window, the sooner the implants are placed the better as bone loss is now more than bone deposition with a net effect of bone loss. If wait too long the more likely that you will need bone grafting of some sort.