How Long After Tooth Extraction Can You Get a Dental Implant?
San Juan Capistrano, CA
One of the most common questions we hear at Kaban Dental Group in San Juan Capistrano is: “How long do I have to wait after a tooth extraction before I can get a dental implant?”
The answer depends on your oral health, whether a bone graft is needed, and how your body heals. In this post, we’ll break down the typical dental implant timeline after extraction and explain what patients in South Orange County can expect.
Why Timing Matters for Dental Implants
Dental implants rely on healthy bone and gum tissue to stay strong. Placing an implant too soon can interfere with healing, while waiting too long may cause bone loss, making the process more complex. That’s why careful planning is essential. Learn more about dental implant benefits.
Typical Timelines After Extraction
Immediate Placement (Same-Day Implants)
In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after a tooth extraction.
This works best when the tooth site is healthy, the bone is strong, and there’s no infection.
Early Placement (2–3 Months)
After the gums and bone have begun to heal, an implant can often be placed around 8–12 weeks post-extraction.
This is common if the tooth was removed due to infection or trauma.
Delayed Placement (4–6 Months or More)
If you need a bone graft, or if significant healing is required, implant placement may be delayed.
The graft strengthens the jawbone, but it takes several months before an implant can be added.
Read our detailed guide: Tooth Extraction → Dental Implant Timeline
Factors That Affect Healing
Bone Health: Adequate jawbone density is critical for implant success.
Gum Condition: Healthy gums promote proper healing.
Systemic Health: Smoking, diabetes, and other conditions may lengthen the healing timeline.
Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing, flossing, and dental checkups shorten recovery time.
Learn more about preventive care and cleanings in San Juan Capistrano.
Risks of Waiting Too Long
If a missing tooth site is left untreated for too long:
The jawbone may shrink, complicating implant placement.
Neighboring teeth may shift out of position.
Bite alignment and facial structure can change.
That’s why it’s important to schedule a consultation soon after an extraction.
Local Expertise in South OC
At Kaban Dental Group, we treat patients from San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo. We’ll examine your tooth extraction site, take digital imaging, and create a personalized timeline for your dental implant treatment.
Every patient’s healing journey is unique. While some can get implants right after extraction, others may need a few months of healing first.
If you’ve recently had a tooth removed in San Juan Capistrano or South Orange County, schedule a consultation with Kaban Dental Group to learn your personalized implant timeline.
