To place dental implants after a tooth extraction, we normally wait a minimum 2 months, allowing the bone to heal. Especially the case the extracted tooth was infected. However, waiting too long can be disadvantages.
- Non-functional bone at extraction site will degenerate, reducing in width and height, which will complicate the implant placement. Additional procedure such as bone graft or guided tissue regeneration may be required.
- Moreover, the adjacent tooth or the opposing tooth may move into extraction spaces. Once the spaces become too small, the function and the aesthetic will be compromised.
In summary, the ideal time for place the dental implant after tooth extraction should be 2-6 months to avoid any complication and maximize function as well as aesthetic.