When can you get an implant after a tooth extraction? Same day, weeks or months later
When an implant can be placed after an extraction doesn’t come down to a single time frame. If the bone and gum are suitable, the implant can go in at the same visit as the extraction; in most cases there’s a wait of a few weeks for the gum to heal or 2–4 months for the bone to partly fill in. With infection, significant bone loss or a bone graft, this can extend by several months. The right timing is best planned with a CBCT scan before the tooth is taken out.
Three timing options
| Timing | When? | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Same-day (immediate) implant | At the same visit as the extraction | No acute infection, intact bone walls, enough bone |
| Early implant | 4–8 weeks or 2–4 months after extraction | Cases where the gum or bone needs to partly heal |
| Delayed implant | 3–6 months or more after extraction | Infection, significant bone loss, bone grafting |
Who can have an implant on the day of extraction?
With a same-day implant the tooth is removed and the implant is placed in the socket at the same visit. This needs no acute infection around the tooth, intact bone walls and enough bone for the implant to grip. Especially for front teeth, a temporary tooth can sometimes be fitted the same day too. We cover this option in detail in same-day implants.
A same-day implant shortens overall treatment time and avoids an extra surgical visit, but it isn’t right for everyone. Forcing it when conditions aren’t suitable can put the implant’s fusion with the bone at risk.
Why is waiting sometimes necessary?
- Infection: If there’s a large cyst at the root tip or an active abscess, the area is allowed to heal first. See dental abscess.
- Bone loss: If much of the bone around the tooth has been lost, a bone graft may be placed first. See bone grafts and sinus lifts.
- Upper molars: If the roots are close to the sinus, the sinus floor is assessed; a sinus lift is done if needed.
- General health: Uncontrolled diabetes, some medicines and smoking can slow healing. See who can have implants and implants for people on osteoporosis medication.
Protecting the bone at extraction
If the implant won’t be placed straight away, bone graft material can be put in the socket at extraction and covered with a membrane. This helps limit bone thinning after the extraction, and the implant is usually placed 3–6 months later. We explain why bone thins when a gap is left for a long time in what happens if you don’t replace an extracted tooth.
When is the permanent tooth fitted after the implant?
After an implant is placed, there’s usually a wait of 2–3 months in the lower jaw and 3–6 months in the upper jaw for it to fuse with the bone. If a bone graft was used, this can take longer. In some cases a temporary tooth can be fitted on the implant the same day. We go through the whole process step by step in how long implant treatment takes.
What about the gap while you wait?
For back teeth the waiting time usually causes no problems. For front teeth there are several temporary options so you aren’t left with a gap:
- A removable temporary tooth (a small temporary denture).
- A temporary tooth set into a clear aligner-style retainer.
- A temporary tooth bonded to the neighbouring teeth.
- Where suitable, a temporary tooth on a same-day implant.
The first days after the extraction
While you wait for the implant, it’s important that the extraction site heals well. In the first days you need to protect the clot, not smoke and avoid strenuous exercise. See after a tooth extraction, when you can exercise after an extraction and smoking after an implant.
Planning extractions and implants at Dent32 in Beylikdüzü
For a tooth that needs to come out, we plan together after the examination and imaging whether the implant will be placed the same day or later. We share the waiting time, temporary tooth options and the approximate cost in writing.
Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How many days after an extraction can an implant be placed?
If conditions are suitable, the same day. In most cases the wait is a few weeks to 2–4 months, or 3–6 months or longer with infection or a bone graft.
Can an implant be placed on the same day as an extraction?
Yes, if there’s no acute infection, the bone walls are intact and there’s enough bone. Suitability is decided by examination and a CBCT scan.
If I wait too long, can I still have an implant?
Usually yes, but if the bone has thinned, extra procedures such as bone grafting may be needed. That’s why it helps to discuss timing before the extraction.
Can an implant be placed the same day in an infected tooth?
With an active abscess or a large cyst, the area is usually allowed to heal first. For small, controlled infections the decision depends on the examination.
Will I have a gap at the front while waiting for an implant?
You don’t have to. A removable temporary tooth, a temporary tooth in a retainer or a temporary tooth bonded to the neighbouring teeth can be used.
