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Question:
Three weeks ago, I had two baby teeth extracted #20 & #29, due to cavities, etc. (along with all 4 wisdom teeth). My dentist could have done the procedure, but I wanted stronger sedation so went to an oral surgeon.
The plan all along is to have implants where the baby teeth were. However, my dentist wanted to have the implants inserted at the time of the extraction. The oral surgeon insisted I should wait a minimum of 3 months.
Both doctors are respected, but their "plans" are very different. The dentist insisted the implants should be inserted asap, as I may experience bone loss. The surgeon is insistant that the 3 months allows time for the bone to fill in.
So which is it? Bone loss or bone fill-in? Wait or immediate? ... Visitor from VA
Answer:
The controversy of immediate implant placement at the time of extraction is a topic for much debate and should be considered individually.
Baby teeth tend to have wide roots and the implant hole is usually narrow. If the implant site is prepared at the time of the extraction the amount of bone which needs to be replaced may be too large for a good chance of success.
This may be a reason to have the procedures done at seperate times. It is true that some bone will be lost after the extraction. The amount, however, will be very small and the bone that will fill in where the roots were is the bone that will be needed for the implant placement.
Editorial Staff
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