After a tooth extraction, should you place the implant right away (immediate) or after healing (delayed)? Both timelines succeed when properly planned. The best choice depends on infection status, bone quality, gum thickness, and the esthetic demands of the area. Our practice provides comprehensive implant options—including single implants, implant bridges, and overdentures—with planning that balances biology and your goals.
Immediate Placement: Advantages and Considerations
Pros:
- Fewer surgeries and a shorter overall timeline
- Helps preserve the socket shape and gum contours
- Can sometimes support a temporary tooth for the smile zone (non-chewing)
Considerations: - Requires good bone and healthy gums at the time of extraction
- Infection or large defects may make immediate placement risky
- Micromovement must be minimized to protect early healing
- Not always appropriate for molar sites with complex root anatomy
Delayed Placement: Why Waiting Can Be Wise
Pros:
- Time to clear infection and rebuild bone with grafting if needed
- Predictable soft-tissue shaping before implant placement
- Useful in molar sites or areas with thin bone
Considerations: - Longer overall treatment timeline
- May require a removable temporary during healing
- Requires meticulous planning to maintain tissue architecture
Provisional Teeth: Looking Good Along the Way
In esthetic areas, we often use a non-loaded temporary to support gum shape while the implant integrates. Your long-term crown is crafted later for precise fit and color. Provisional contours guide tissue healing so the final emergence profile looks natural.
Decision Factors We Weigh
- Infection: Active infection favors a delayed approach.
- Bone volume: Thin walls may need grafting before or at placement.
- Smile line: High-smile patients benefit from meticulous tissue planning.
- Bite forces: Heavy grinders may need staged protection and a night guard before the final crown.
- Medical history: Diabetes, smoking, and certain medications influence healing and risk.
Your Implant Journey
- Consult & 3D Scan for diagnostics and timeline discussion.
- Extraction & Site Management (with or without immediate implant).
- Integration & Check-Ins to confirm stability and tissue health.
- Abutment & Crown fabrication for a natural finish that blends with neighbors.
- Maintenance with routine cleanings and home-care coaching.
FAQs
Is immediate placement safe? Yes for selected cases; we’ll advise based on your scan and gum health.
Will I be without a tooth? We work on esthetic temporaries so you can smile confidently during healing.
Do implants last? With great home care and routine maintenance, many last decades.
Does it hurt? Most patients report pressure rather than pain; discomfort is typically mild and short-lived.
The Right Timeline for You
From immediate to staged placement, we’ll map a plan that suits your biology and your calendar. Premier Dental of Woodhaven in Woodhaven, NY is here to help you eat, speak, and smile confidently again. Call (929) 239-3256 to Schedule a Consultation and review your options.
