Tooth extraction is always a stressful event for a patient and is performed only when absolutely necessary. Sometimes, what remains of the tooth simply cannot be saved.
Fortunately, modern dentistry allows us to replace a lost tooth and restore the functions of the chewing system: smiling, eating any foods, and doing so comfortably. We are, of course, talking about dental implants.
There are two options for placing an implant after tooth extraction:
- Immediate placement
- Delayed placement
The decision on which method to use can only be made by a specialist.
Immediate placement involves inserting a titanium screw directly into the socket of the extracted tooth. This is possible when there is a sufficient volume of bone tissue. Additionally, there are techniques that allow the crown to be fixed immediately on the newly placed implant.
For delayed placement, one must wait for full socket regeneration and bone tissue restoration. This usually takes about 2–5 months, depending on the patient’s health and the body’s ability to regenerate.
Before the procedure, a CT scan is performed to assess the condition of the jawbone. After reviewing all the prescribed examinations, the dentist will determine whether an implant can be placed immediately after extraction.
During the extraction, the surgeon evaluates the condition of the bone, gums, and the tooth socket. For an immediate implant placement, several conditions must be met:
- There must be no inflammatory processes on the root of the tooth to be removed or on adjacent teeth;
- The gum must be tightly attached to the bone immediately after extraction;
- The alveolar ridge (the part of the bone surrounding the teeth) must not be damaged during extraction.
If all conditions are met, the oral surgeon places the implant, sutures the wound, and provides recommendations. With proper care, osseointegration occurs within 2–4 months: typically faster in the lower jaw than in the upper jaw.
Once the implants have stabilized, prosthetic restoration can begin, depending on the clinical situation in the patient’s oral cavity: some may need a single crown, while others may require a full arch. In any case, this procedure remains the most reliable method for replacing lost teeth today.
