A dental implant is the most effective alternative after tooth extraction. However, some people find out from their dental professional that they don’t have enough jawbone for the implant. So, how long can you wait to get a bone graft after tooth extraction?
It is more effective if you do it immediately after the tooth extraction. You can also wait for 3-6 months for the extraction site to heal completely.
What Is a Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft increases the volume and density of your jawbone in areas where bone loss has happened. The bone graft material can come from your own body (autogenous), from a human tissue bank (allograft), from an animal tissue bank (xenograft), or it can be synthetic (alloplast).
What Happens If I Don’t Get a Bone Graft After Tooth Extraction?
Sometimes, after a tooth is removed, the area heals well on its own, but it can take several months to fully recover. However, if you don’t get a bone graft when a tooth is removed, it can trigger the deterioration of your jawbone.
This makes it difficult to get replacement solutions like dental implants. When your jawbone deteriorates, it can also cause your other teeth to move towards the gaps in your mouth, which can create problems with how your teeth fit together.
This might mean you need braces or other orthodontic treatments. Gaps in your mouth where teeth are missing can also trap food and bacteria, which can lead to infections like gum disease and tooth decay. To prevent these issues, it’s best to get a bone graft soon after a tooth is removed. This helps keep your jawbone healthy and makes it easier to get dental implants in the future.
Types of Bone Grafts Required After Tooth Extraction
Following are the 4 main types of bone grafts your dentist can recommend post-extraction:
- Socket preservation
Also known as ridge preservation, this type of graft is placed in the socket right after a tooth is extracted. It fills the space left by the missing tooth and prevents the sides of the socket from collapsing. - Ridge Augmentation
If you have been missing teeth for a while, the supporting jawbone might be thinner than before. Ridge augmentation increases the width and volume of the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for implants or other restorative options. - Sinus lift
The maxillary sinuses are located just above your upper back teeth. If these teeth are missing, the sinuses can drop down into the space where the tooth roots used to be. This makes placing implants difficult because they can penetrate the sinus membrane. To fix this, an oral surgeon or periodontist can perform a sinus lift. This procedure raises the sinus back to its original position, and a bone graft is placed underneath to create a solid foundation for future dental implants. - Periodontal bone graft
Gum disease can cause an infection that erodes the bone supporting the teeth, making them loose. A periodontal bone graft is placed around an existing tooth to reduce its mobility and provide extra support.
Ending Note
Sometimes, due to trauma or accident, tooth extraction becomes a dire need. A question might linger in your head: “How long can you wait to get a bone graft after a tooth extraction?” You can get it immediately or wait for the site to heal, which takes 3-6 months.
Visit our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Andrew Rossi, at Perio Health Professionals. Our doctor is an expert in regenerative periodontal therapy and soft and hard tissue reconstruction. Call us at (346) 509-9060 for an appointment.
