Ask Dr Toof

How soon after extraction can I get a dental implant?

LAST UPDATED:

October 9, 2025

Category:

Q:

Hi Dr. Athirah, I hope you’re doing well! I recently had a tooth extraction and I’m curious about how soon I can get a dental implant afterwards. I’m in my 30s and, as someone who values my smile, I’m really keen to get this sorted out as quickly as possible. It’s been a bit uncomfortable without that tooth, and I’m worried about the gap affecting my eating and confidence. I’d appreciate any advice you can share on the recovery time and the best timeline for moving forward with the implant. Thank you!

- Our follower on social media

Hi! Thanks for your question, and I’m doing great, hope you are too! It’s completely understandable to want to get back to your usual self after losing a tooth. Generally, after a tooth extraction, it’s best to wait about 2 to 4 months before thinking about getting a dental implant. This waiting period allows your gums and bone to heal properly, which in turn reduces the chance of any complications when getting the implant.

However, this timeline isn’t set in stone. The exact healing time can vary depending on several factors, like your overall health and how the extraction went. If you had any complications, like an infection, or if the extraction was tricky, it might take longer for things to heal up. It’s kind of like letting a wound on your skin heal before you start putting pressure on it again!

One of the best things you can do meanwhile is to take good care of your mouth. Keeping the area clean is key, so gently brushing your teeth around the extraction site and rinsing with saltwater will help a lot. It not only promotes healing but also gets your mouth ready for the implant when the time comes.

Once you’ve given it enough time to heal, your dentist will check if your bone and gum are all good for the implant. If you’ve lost some bone, don’t worry, you might need a procedure like a bone graft to sort it out before getting the implant. It’s all part of making sure things stay strong and secure, so you can confidently smile and eat again.

I’d suggest seeing your dentist soon for a thorough check-up. They’ll give you a good idea of your healing progress and help plan the next steps. Don’t stress too much, though—it’s all about doing things at the right time for the best results. After all, your dental health is super important for your overall well-being! Take care and best of luck with your dental journey.

About The Author

MDC 11249

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2018

Dr. Athirah is a highly skilled and dedicated dentist with a special focus on dental surgery and endodontics. She co-founded Dr Toof Dental Clinic to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry.

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