One of the questions most often asked by patients from Bahçelievler, Bakırköy, Güngören and Haznedar is: “How long should I wait for an implant after my tooth is extracted?” The answer is not the same for everyone; infection at the extraction site and the bone and gum structure determine the timing.

Three basic approaches

• Immediate implant: Placed in the same session as the extraction. It requires no infection at the site and sufficient bone.
• Early implant: Placed after a short wait for gum healing.
• Delayed implant: Done after bone healing is complete; if bone has been lost, augmentation may be needed.

The dentist decides which approach is suitable after an examination and 3D imaging (Resnik & Misch, 2018).

What affects the timing?

• Presence of infection or a cyst at the extraction site
• Condition of the bone walls and gum thickness
• Smoking and general health
• History of gum disease: periodontal treatment may be needed first

Immediate implant: when may it be appropriate?

Placing an implant in the same session as the extraction can shorten treatment time, but it is not suitable for every case. If there is no active pus or infection at the site, the surrounding bone walls are sufficient and the gum tissue is healthy, the dentist may consider this approach (Resnik & Misch, 2018). Where the extraction was difficult, the bone wall was damaged or there is inflammation at the root tip, waiting for healing first may be considered safer.

What happens to bone and gum while you wait?

After a tooth is extracted, the bone and gum in the socket change shape over time; loss of a thin bone wall in the front region matters aesthetically. For this reason, the implant should be considered when the extraction is planned, and bone preservation or grafting may be planned if needed. For the healing process, see care after extraction.

How is the decision made?

The dentist first performs a clinical examination and, if needed, requests 3D imaging; then the options are discussed with the patient. General health factors such as smoking and diabetes, and a history of gum disease, affect timing. Temporary solutions during healing (a temporary tooth or denture) are also part of this planning. Remember that results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed; the aim is to choose together the plan best suited to your mouth.

Frequently asked questions

Can an implant be placed the same day after every extraction?

No; only under suitable conditions and after the dentist’s evaluation.

Does waiting cause bone loss?

Natural shape change occurs in the bone after extraction; that is why early planning is recommended.

Is a temporary tooth fitted?

Temporary solutions are discussed with the dentist depending on the situation.

How do I book an appointment from the European side?

You can reach our clinic in Bahçelievler via the contact page.

Is an immediate implant better?

“Better” would not be accurate; it is an appropriate option only under certain conditions. The decision depends on bone, gum and infection status.

How long after extraction can the implant be placed?

The waiting time varies by approach; the dentist determines the timing by assessing bone and gum healing.

Can I smoke right after extraction?

Smoking can negatively affect healing; quitting or reducing as much as possible is recommended.

Get information about implant treatment and book an appointment for an examination. See also our dental implant treatment page.

References

• Resnik, R. R., & Misch, C. E. (2018). Misch’s avoiding complications in oral implantology. Elsevier.
• Adell, R., Lekholm, U., Rockler, B., & Brånemark, P.-I. (1981). A 15-year study of osseointegrated implants in the treatment of the edentulous jaw. International Journal of Oral Surgery, 10(6), 387–416. PubMed ↗

Note: Book chapter references follow the page ranges of the publisher’s edition; article links open the matching PubMed record.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. See your dentist for diagnosis and treatment; no outcome is guaranteed.

This page was reviewed by Dr. Dt. Mehmet Fuat Bozaba, periodontist.