The most important consideration for long-term dental implant success is the quality of bone available at the implant site. If there is inadequate bone, then the bond between the bone and the implant may not be strong enough, and the implant can fail prematurely. Because bone loss occurs over time after tooth loss, patients who delay dental implant placement may find that their jaw has eroded too much in the area to support a dental implant. If this occurs, you may not be an immediate candidate for dental implant placement. However, preliminary bone grafts can help to make the implant site more suitable in cases of bone loss. If you want to avoid the additional procedure, though, you should pursue dental implant placement soon after your biological tooth is removed.

Generally, the osseointegration process should be complete before the patient is fitted with a permanent restoration. This process unfolds over the course of several months, although there can be some variation from patient to patient. Your dentist and oral surgeon can tell you what sort of a timeframe might be expected in your case. Certain patients may be able to wear a temporary appliance that is fitted on the day the dental implant is placed. If this is the case, your oral surgeon and dentist will collaborate on treatment planning and the timing of that temporary restoration.