Extraction

Tooth extraction (removal) is the surgical procedure by which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. In the context of implant dentistry, how and when extraction is performed has significant implications for bone preservation and implant planning.

Socket preservation

When a tooth is extracted, the socket (the hole left behind) fills with blood clot. Without intervention, the surrounding bone walls gradually resorb over the following months. Socket preservation — placing a bone graft material into the socket at the time of extraction — significantly reduces this bone loss and makes implant placement simpler later.

Immediate implant placement

In selected cases, an implant can be placed immediately into a fresh extraction socket at the same appointment as the extraction. This is called immediate implant placement. It can preserve bone and reduce overall treatment time, but requires careful patient selection and surgical precision.

Timing of implants after extraction

If immediate placement is not performed, most clinicians wait 8–12 weeks (early placement) for the socket to partially heal before placing the implant, or 3–6 months (delayed placement) for more complete healing. Earlier placement generally preserves more bone.