When Can I Get a Dental Implant After Tooth Extraction?

Losing a tooth — whether due to decay, trauma, or infection — can be stressful, and one of the first questions most patients ask is: “When can I get a dental implant after the extraction?” It’s a great question because the answer is not one‑size‑fits‑all. There are factors like your oral health and bone quality, the presence of an infection, and how well your mouth heals after the extraction.

Can I Have an Implant Placed on the Same Day as the Extraction?

Yes, in some cases. If the bone surrounding your extracted tooth is healthy and dense, and there is no sign of infection, it may be possible for your dentist to place the implant immediately following extraction — sometimes, even in the same appointment. This is known as immediate implant placement. One of the benefits of immediate implant placement is that it involves fewer surgeries, can result in quicker overall treatment, and can help prevent bone loss.

Keep in mind that same‑day implants are not a good option for everyone. Before placing an immediate implant, your dentist will evaluate the health of the surrounding tissue, the amount of bone you have, and whether or not any infection is present. An immediate implant will be suggested only if conditions are favourable.  

What Happens if I Can’t Get an Implant Immediately?

In most cases, your dentist prefers to give your mouth some time to heal before implant placement — particularly if there was an infection, periodontal disease, or insufficient bone around the tooth. In these cases, you may hear terms like early, delayed, or traditional implant timelines.

• Early placement is often scheduled around 6–12 weeks (or 1.5–3 months) after the tooth is extracted. This allows time for soft tissue healing while also preserving bone.  

   

• Delayed placement is often scheduled around 3–6 months after extraction. This is often used when there is a significant infection or when a bone graft is necessary to rebuild lost bone.

   

This waiting period allows your body to grow new bone and for the gum tissue to mature, which can lead to better long‑term implant success.

Do I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting an Implant?

Sometimes. If the bone in the area of the extraction site is thin, damaged or has begun to shrink (bone naturally shrinks over time without a tooth root to stimulate it), your dentist may advise a bone graft to place before the implant. A graft is a way of building up bone, so your implant has a good foundation. The timing of the implant placement is then related to the degree of healing of this new bone, which may be several months later.  

What If I Wait Too Long After the Tooth Is Removed?

You may receive a dental implant months or even years after extraction, but there are consequences for delaying the procedure. The jawbone naturally begins to shrink without stimulation from a tooth root or implant. This natural loss can make placing the implant more difficult or complicated and can require additional bone graft procedures.

For these reasons, your dentist may suggest planning for an implant before or shortly after extraction to preserve the bone.

There isn’t a single “magic” timeline that fits every patient. The soonest you could get an implant would be immediately after extraction, but this depends on the health of your bone and the presence or absence of infection. In most cases, patients wait a few weeks to a few months to allow for natural healing before implant placement. And in some cases, if you wait too long or lose bone over time, you may need to have additional procedures first. 

If you’re considering dental implants following tooth extraction, the best next step is to schedule a consultation, during which your dentist can examine your mouth and explain the ideal timeline for your specific smile goals.