Dental Implants After Tooth Extraction

By: Dr. Rajan Sharma

Dental Implants After Tooth Extraction

Do you know about dental implants after tooth extraction ? One of the most common forms of oral surgery is tooth extraction. It’s the last resort when a tooth cannot be saved through any other oral procedure. If you have had a tooth extracted, the best solution for regaining full biting capabilities, and that beautiful smile, is a dental implant. Dental implant treatments are available for single and multiple missing teeth as well as the full set of teeth. 

Replacing a tooth with a temporary fixed crown immediately after it’s been extracted has a higher rate of success than treatments that are delayed. A case study published in the Journal of Periodontology concluded that the use of a temporary fixed crown in 10 test patients resulted in no observed complications during healing times. In the study, the permanent crown was inserted six weeks after the initial surgery and placement of the temporary tooth. The study also found that immediate tooth replacement helps in the prevention of jawbone deterioration and reduces the overall treatment time. 

If your dentist has advised you that you need one or more teeth extracted and you are considering a dental implant to replace them, contact the highly-trained dental professionals at EON Clinics. We serve patients throughout Chicagoland, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at 800-250-3500.

What Are Dental Implants ?

Dental implants are used to replace our natural teeth when they have been lost to gum disease or trauma. Depending on the needs of the patient, dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full set of teeth.

After the tooth has been extracted, the implant is attached to the jawbone by tiny metal rods that are fused with the jawbone. An abutment, or connector, is attached to these anchors and then the prosthesis, or artificial tooth is placed on top. A temporary fixed crown may be used until the permanent crown can be placed. The placement of a temporary crown immediately after tooth extraction improves the success of the treatment and is recommended whenever possible.

A local anesthetic is used to numb the pain during dental implant surgery. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce pain and promote healing. The patient may experience swelling in the gums and face after surgery, as well as some pain and minor bleeding of the gums.

Types of dental implants include:

Single-tooth implants, as the name implies, replace one tooth. Multiple-tooth implants are for two or more adjacent teeth. 

All-on-4 dental implants replace all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaw. This requires four implants on the bottom and four on the top. Having all of the teeth replaced with one procedure limits the time the patient needs for treatment. It’s also less expensive than having several single- or multiple-tooth implants. A periodontist will test the jawbone to determine if it is sufficient to keep the implant in place.

Implant-supported dentures are also an option for patients with multiple missing teeth. There are two types of implant-supported dentures. A bar-retained denture clips on to a metal bar that connects to implants. A ball-retained denture attaches to metal attachments on each implant.

Caring for Your Dental Implants after Tooth Extraction

You care for dental implants much the same way you do your natural teeth. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day and using a mouth rinse at least once a day. Your dentist can recommend a special dental floss or dental tape and a mouthwash. A soft bristle toothbrush should be used for best results.

It is important to continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months and to get x-rays annually. Your prosthodontist may require x-rays more frequently in the months immediately after the dental implant surgery.

Certain types of food may cause irritation to people with dental implants. Hot drinks can heat up the rods and abutment causing pain or discomfort. Sip hot drinks or let them cool first. Hard candy and foods such as raw vegetables may also get caught between the implant and natural teeth. Dental floss or tape should be enough to remove food particles. Sticky foods, such as taffy, should be avoided as they can pull at implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants After Tooth Extraction

Having dental implants placed immediately after a tooth extraction can limit treatment times and expedite the healing process. Once the permanent crown is placed, you’ll start noticing the benefits of your implants.

One benefit to a fully-restored mouth is that it gives the patient the confidence to smile again. People with one or more missing teeth can be self-conscious about their appearance. Missing teeth can also cause difficulty with speech. A restored mouth corrects both of these things. With an improved appearance comes more self-confidence and this has many benefits in both the personal and professional lives of patients. 

Restored biting capabilities can improve the patient’s diet, especially when people avoid eating fruits and vegetables because they are unable to chew them adequately. Proper chewing makes digestion easier which has benefits such as better sleep. 

And of course, having a dental implant after a tooth extraction benefits overall oral health. Dental crowns help prevent further damage to the jawbone and gums. They keep adjacent teeth in place thus preventing future dental issues. This also saves money in the long run by avoiding costly corrective dental procedures.

The sooner missing teeth are replaced, the faster patients see the benefits of dental implants.

Schedule a Dental Implant Checkup Today!

EON Clinics employ highly-trained teams of oral surgeons and prosthodontists to perform all types of dental implant procedures. The oral health professionals who work in our offices are highly-trained and use cutting-edge technology in our in-house labs. This creates a one-stop-shop for all dental implant needs at clinics throughout Chicagoland and in southern Wisconsin and northwest Indiana. 

From single- and multiple-tooth to full jaw All-on-4 dental implants, EON Clinics helps patients enjoy eating and smiling again. Find out how dental implants can improve your life. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at 800-250-3500.