Dental Implants After Extraction:
How Soon Can You Get One?
Same day, 6 weeks, or 3 months. The right timing depends on your situation. This guide explains what determines it and why acting sooner preserves more bone.
Same day
immediate placement possible
50%
more bone preserved with immediate placement
From £28
per month with finance
The timing question everyone asks
You've just had a tooth extracted, or you know one needs to come out soon. The natural question is: how quickly can I replace it with an implant?
The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Some patients can have an implant placed on the same day as the extraction. Others need to wait a few weeks or months. What determines the timing is the condition of the extraction site: is there infection? Is the bone socket intact? Is there enough bone to stabilise an implant immediately?
Here's how the three main timing options compare and how we decide which is right for you.
Three Timing Options Compared
| Immediate (Same Day) | Early (6-8 Weeks) | Delayed (3-6 Months) |
|---|---|---|
When it's used | ||
| No infection, intact socket, adequate bone | Minor healing needed, socket preservation done | Infection present, bone grafting required |
Bone preservation | ||
| Best (50% more bone retained) | Good (with socket preservation) | Bone may shrink during wait |
Total treatment time | ||
| 3-4 months | 5-6 months | 6-12 months |
Number of surgeries | ||
| 1 (extraction + implant together) | 2 (extraction, then implant) | 2-3 (extraction, graft, implant) |
Temporary tooth needed | ||
| Usually not (immediate temp crown) | Yes, during healing | Yes, during healing |
Suitability | ||
| 40-50% of cases | 30-40% of cases | Remaining cases |
| Immediate (Same Day) | Early (6-8 Weeks) | Delayed (3-6 Months) | |
|---|---|---|---|
When it's used | No infection, intact socket, adequate bone | Minor healing needed, socket preservation done | Infection present, bone grafting required |
Bone preservation | Best (50% more bone retained) | Good (with socket preservation) | Bone may shrink during wait |
Total treatment time | 3-4 months | 5-6 months | 6-12 months |
Number of surgeries | 1 (extraction + implant together) | 2 (extraction, then implant) | 2-3 (extraction, graft, implant) |
Temporary tooth needed | Usually not (immediate temp crown) | Yes, during healing | Yes, during healing |
Suitability | 40-50% of cases | 30-40% of cases | Remaining cases |
Immediate implant placement preserves up to 50% more bone than delayed placement
Research from the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants shows that bone loss begins immediately after extraction. Placing an implant on the same day minimises this loss and provides the best foundation for long-term success.
Source: International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants
Side by Side: Immediate vs Delayed
What each pathway looks like in practice
Extraction + implant in one visit
Day 1The tooth is removed and the implant is placed into the socket in the same appointment. A temporary crown is fitted for front teeth.
Healing (osseointegration)
3-4 monthsThe implant fuses with the bone. You have a temporary restoration throughout. No gap, no adhesive.
Final crown fitted
Last visitYour permanent crown is placed. Treatment complete. One surgical procedure, minimal bone loss.
Tooth extraction + socket preservation
Day 1The tooth is removed. A bone graft may be placed to preserve the socket. The site heals with a temporary tooth.
Healing wait
3-6 monthsThe extraction site and any graft need time to heal and integrate. You wear a temporary solution during this time.
Implant placed (second surgery)
3-6 months laterOnce healed, the implant is placed in a second procedure. Another 3-4 months of healing follows before the final crown.
Extraction + implant in one visit
The tooth is removed and the implant is placed into the socket in the same appointment. A temporary crown is fitted for front teeth.
Healing (osseointegration)
The implant fuses with the bone. You have a temporary restoration throughout. No gap, no adhesive.
Final crown fitted
Your permanent crown is placed. Treatment complete. One surgical procedure, minimal bone loss.
Tooth extraction + socket preservation
The tooth is removed. A bone graft may be placed to preserve the socket. The site heals with a temporary tooth.
Healing wait
The extraction site and any graft need time to heal and integrate. You wear a temporary solution during this time.
Implant placed (second surgery)
Once healed, the implant is placed in a second procedure. Another 3-4 months of healing follows before the final crown.
Common Questions About Extraction and Implants
"I had a tooth pulled already. Have I missed the window for immediate placement?"
If your tooth was extracted recently (within the last few weeks), you may still be in the early placement window. If it was months ago, delayed placement is still very successful.
It's never too late for an implant. The timing of extraction matters for bone preservation, but implants can be placed at any point. The sooner you act, the simpler the process, but even years after extraction, techniques like All-on-4 work well.
"My tooth was extracted because of an abscess. Can I still get an implant?"
Infection at the extraction site is the main reason immediate placement isn't possible. The concern is that bacteria could compromise the implant.
Yes, after the infection clears. Typically 4-8 weeks of healing. Socket preservation can be done at the time of extraction to protect the bone. Once the site is infection-free, implant placement proceeds normally.
"Will I need a bone graft after extraction?"
Not everyone needs grafting. It depends on the amount of bone present and how the socket heals.
About 30-40% of cases need some form of grafting. Minor socket preservation is quick and can be done at the time of extraction. Major grafting is less common and adds 3-6 months to the timeline. A 3D scan gives us a definitive answer.
Find the Best Timing for Your Implant
Quick assessment to explore your options
Implants After Extraction: Your Questions Answered
How soon after tooth extraction can I get an implant?
It depends on the clinical situation. Immediate placement (same day as extraction) is possible when there's no infection and the bone socket is intact. Early placement (6-8 weeks) works when minor healing is needed. Delayed placement (3-6 months) is used when infection or bone grafting is required.
Is immediate implant placement better than waiting?
When clinically appropriate, immediate placement preserves up to 50% more bone than waiting. It also means fewer appointments and a shorter overall treatment time. However, not every extraction site is suitable. Your surgeon will recommend the best timing based on your specific case.
Can I get an implant if my tooth was extracted due to infection?
Yes, but usually not immediately. The infection needs to clear first, which typically takes 4-8 weeks. Socket preservation (bone grafting at the extraction site) can be done to protect the bone while the infection heals. Then the implant is placed into healthy tissue.
What is socket preservation and do I need it?
Socket preservation is a bone graft placed into the extraction socket immediately after the tooth is removed. It prevents the bone from collapsing while you wait for implant placement. It's recommended when immediate implant placement isn't possible, to maintain bone volume for future treatment.
Will I be without a tooth while waiting for my implant?
Never. For front teeth, we provide a temporary crown or bridge so there's no visible gap. For back teeth, temporary options are available too. With Vivo Bridge full arch cases, permanent teeth are fitted within 48 hours.
How much does an implant after extraction cost?
A single implant starts from £1,695, which includes the implant, abutment, and crown. If socket preservation or bone grafting is needed, this adds £400-£1,000. 0% finance from £28/month. See our payment options.
What Our Patients Say
Real stories from real patients who transformed their smiles with Dental By Design
Top Dental Clinic in UK. I came from Italy for a full arch, and the staff was kind and very professional.
04/09/2026
Excellent dental practice, it was my first appointment and it was a great experience. I am now seriously thinking to get my tooth upper/lower arch done. Thanks for great help and understanding my needs, and again thanks to everyone, who look after me today. See you soon , all the very best.Raif
Response from Dental By Design
Hi Raif, thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that your first appointment was such a great experience. It means a lot to know you felt well looked after, understood, and supported by the team. Thank you again for your kind words, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. All the very best from everyone at Dental By Design.
03/30/2026
very nice people.
Response from Dental By Design
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03/30/2026
Response from Dental By Design
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03/30/2026
Excellent service lovely people Very impressed would definitely recommend
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Linda. We are glad you have been impressed so far, and we look forward to supporting you through the next steps.
03/27/2026
Not only was Dr Mechoui skilled he was patient and caring explaining each procedure carefully. I received excellent treatment and could not be more pleased.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Mary, for your lovely feedback. We are so pleased to hear that Dr Mechoui made you feel cared for and well informed throughout your treatment. Taking the time to explain each step and ensure patients feel comfortable is something we value greatly. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted that you are so pleased with your treatment.
03/23/2026
This is got to be the best in London to the ladies at front desk to the surgeons took me in like family very professional done a excellent job i can smile again i would recommend them to anyone who ask me were did l get my tooth done. I did look around.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Andrew. We really appreciate your review and we look forward to seeing you again.
03/22/2026
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The Sooner You Act, the More Bone You Preserve
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