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
What a great first experience of this team , very happy and will be going ahead with accessing their services.
07/04/2026
A TRULY life changing experience. When a tooth cracked just before Christmas, it was the final straw for me. I decided to look into full arch dental work, and after some detailed research, I chose Dental By Design. From the very first appointment, to post surgery check-ups, the service has been nothing but first class. Dr Yasser is a genius, a dental Michelangelo. Along with his assistant Adriana, he made me comfortable, he answered every question patiently, and built out a plan for a double arch surgery. On the day of the operation, I was in no pain, I was looked after at every step of the journey by Dr Yasser and Adriana, and he took incredibly care and detail to ensure that my arches were fitted perfectly. He make a long and complex operation feel simple and pain free, and the end result was worth every penny. Post operation, I felt no pain, recovery has been simple, and I am now sitting here with a beautiful smile, and with the confidence to smile again. It really DOES change the way you eat, talk, and smile again. Supporting Dr Yasser and Adriana are a wonderful, friendly, and super helpful front desk team, who could not do enough to help me ( and even made sure I got home safe after the operation! ). I cannot thank Dr Yasser and the team at Dental by Design enough. If you are thinking of having this done, do it, you won't regret it!!
06/29/2026
This place and the people there have genuinely changed my life! Got multiple implants here after years and years of not having been to a dentist due to severe anxiety and PTSD. As a result my oral health had really suffered, I had to have some teeth removed last year and had lost all confidence. From my first appointment with Dr. Yasser he made me feel safe and supported. There was never an ounce of judgement and just kindness, understanding and great communication. He definitely knows what he is doing, discusses personalised treatment options with you and just makes you feel like you're in the best hands. Can't could always sense whether I needed distraction in which case he was great at making me laugh or just some kind, calm words. Ms Adriana, the lovely nurse who was always there during our appointment was also always such a calm and kind presence in the room. She let me hold her hand when I needed it and also did such a great job! As well as the kind reception who always welcomed me with a smile and made me feel as calm as possible. Thank you to the entire team for making me feel safe and for giving me a new, great smile that I can show off confidently!
06/29/2026
First class experience, don’t bother going anywhere else, i contacted other countries companies before I found Dr Yasser and Mr Ledio, no comparison, first class from minute 1. Found it brilliant that you get time with the Dr Yasser at the very start, I asked him lots of questions and got lots of reassurance from the start, can’t praise them high enough, had my procedure, went great. Very happy customer, big thumbs up 👍
06/27/2026
I have been attending Dental by Design… I have been attending Dental by Design for I think 4 years and I have noting bye praise for all the Dentist that work there but one in particular Rob Jung. I had a fault with my bridge I was very worried as I thought I would lose the perfect smile that dental by design but Rob assured me he would get my Smile 😃 but and today was that day when Rob gave me the Mirror it was the best my teeth have ever looked even better than the last bridge, I got out of the chair and gave him the biggest hug I could and thank Rob so much for giving me my Smile back. THANK YOU DENTAL BY DESIGN. If you are thinking about getting your teeth done I would say this is the best place ever. They take care of you from start to finish. I just so glad I found them and went to get my teeth done there. 5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 all the way.
06/25/2026
I had an excellent experience at this dental clinic today. From the moment I arrived, I felt genuinely welcome. Unfortunately, I was running late and had to call ahead, but the team were so understanding and reassuring. When I arrived, I was offered water and coffee, which immediately made me feel comfortable and valued as a patient. The entire team was incredibly professional, friendly, and attentive. I came in for a consultation regarding a single dental implant, and the dentist was outstanding. He explained everything in great detail, taking the time to go through all the options, the procedure itself, and what to expect throughout the process. I never felt rushed and was encouraged to ask questions. What really stood out was how approachable and personable he was. Not only was he highly knowledgeable and professional, but he also had a great sense of humour, which helped put me completely at ease. We even had a good laugh, making what could have been a stressful appointment feel relaxed and enjoyable. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my experience. The level of care, professionalism, and friendliness was exceptional. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for dental treatment, especially if you’re considering an implant. Thank you to the whole team for making me feel so welcome.
06/24/2026
I cannot recommend Dr. Yasser and his dental nurse, Adriana, highly enough. I recently underwent a full mouth dental restoration with implant-supported bridges, a procedure that lasted approximately six hours from start to finish. Despite the length of the treatment, which had a break at the halfway point, the entire experience was completely painless and far more comfortable than I ever imagined. From the very beginning, Dr. Yasser demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and attention to detail. He took the time to explain every stage of the procedure, which gave me complete confidence and peace of mind throughout the day. Adriana was equally outstanding, providing constant support, reassurance, and care that made the whole experience feel relaxed and stress-free. The results have been nothing short of life-changing. Seeing my new teeth and smile for the first time was an incredibly emotional moment. The transformation has given me a level of confidence I haven’t felt in years, and I genuinely wish I had gone ahead with the treatment much sooner. If you are considering a full mouth restoration using implant-supported bridges, I can honestly say that placing my trust in Dr. Yasser and Adriana was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Their expertise, kindness, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome have completely transformed my smile and my quality of life. Thank you both for such an incredible experience and an amazing result. Also a big thank you to Dr. Yasser for picking the incredible Pink Floyd soundtrack to listen to as the procedure unfolded. I’m no longer just another brick in the wall.
06/21/2026
The whole experience was even better than I expected. As someone who has always been afraid of visiting the dentist, Dr. Rob Jung immediately made me feel at ease. The professional care and attention I received from him and his entire team were truly exceptional. The smile that Dr. Rob gave me has genuinely changed my life, and I cannot thank him enough for his skill, kindness, and dedication. I am so grateful for the outstanding treatment and support I received throughout the process. I would highly recommend Dr. Rob Jung and his team to anyone looking for excellent dental care. Varsha Mehta
06/16/2026
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