Jun 3, 2025
Dental Implants with an Infection: A Smyrna Dentist Explains the Process
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
When you're suffering from a painful, infected tooth, your main goal is to get relief and find a permanent solution as quickly as possible. This often leads to the urgent question: "Can I just have the bad tooth pulled and get a dental implant on the same day, even with an infection?"
While we understand the desire for a fast, all-in-one solution, the answer is that a dental implant cannot be placed into an active infection. At Smyrna Dental Studio, patient safety and the long-term success of your implant are our top priorities, and this always requires starting with a clean, healthy foundation. This guide will explain why the infection must be treated first and outline the safe process for getting an implant after an infection.
Why Placing an Implant into an Infection is a Recipe for Failure
The success of a dental implant depends on a biological process called osseointegration, where your jawbone grows onto and fuses with the titanium implant post, making it a permanent part of your body.
An active infection creates a hostile environment that makes this fusion impossible. The bacteria from the infection will:
Prevent the bone from healing and integrating with the implant.
Attack the new implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss.
Cause the implant to become loose and ultimately fail.
Attempting to place an implant in an infected site is like trying to plant a tree in contaminated soil; the roots will never take hold, and the tree will not survive.
The Safe Process: From Infected Tooth to a Healthy Implant
Our approach is methodical and prioritizes your long-term health.
Step 1: The Emergency Visit - Eliminating the Infection
Your first visit is focused on addressing the dental emergency. This involves:
A comprehensive exam and a 3D CBCT scan to assess the extent of the infection and bone damage.
Numbing the area completely to ensure your comfort.
Performing an emergency tooth extraction to remove the source of the infection.
Meticulously cleaning the empty tooth socket to remove all infected tissue.
Step 2: The Critical Decision - Immediate vs. Delayed Placement
Once the site is clean, a crucial decision is made based on the condition of your jawbone.
Immediate Implant Placement: If the infection was minor and well-contained, and there is an ample amount of healthy, strong bone remaining, it may be possible to place the dental implant on the same day as the extraction. This is the fastest option, but it is only suitable for ideal cases.
Delayed Implant Placement (More Common & Predictable): If the infection has caused damage to the surrounding bone, the safest and most predictable approach is a delayed placement. In this scenario, we will place a bone graft into the empty socket immediately after the extraction. This procedure, called "socket preservation," regenerates new, healthy bone. We then allow the site to heal for 3 to 6 months before placing the implant into a perfectly sterile and solid foundation.
FAQs: Your Questions About Implants and Infections
Q1: How will you know if I'm a candidate for an immediate implant after my extraction? The decision is made during your emergency procedure. After the infected tooth is removed and the socket is thoroughly cleaned, we will clinically assess the quality and quantity of the remaining bone. The 3D CBCT scan taken at your visit is also essential for making this evaluation with precision.
Q2: If I have to wait for my implant to be placed, will I have a gap in my smile? No. We will ensure you have an aesthetic temporary solution to wear while your implant site heals. Depending on the location, this could be a removable "flipper" tooth, a temporary bridge, or an Essix retainer, so you can always smile with confidence.
Q3: I have a dental abscess. Does that mean the tooth has to be pulled? Not always. If the infection is contained within the tooth's root and has not severely damaged the surrounding bone, an emergency root canal can often be performed. This procedure removes the infection from inside the tooth, allowing you to save your natural tooth and avoiding the need for an extraction and implant altogether.
Q4: Why is a bone graft so important after an infected tooth is extracted? A dental infection can eat away at and destroy the bone that once supported the tooth. A bone graft does more than just fill the empty socket; it acts as a scaffold that encourages your body to grow strong, healthy new bone. This is essential for creating the solid foundation that a dental implant needs for lifelong success.
Your Health and a Successful Outcome Are Our Priorities
While it can be frustrating to hear that you may need to wait to get your dental implant, this patient and methodical approach is what ensures a successful, long-lasting result. The first and most important step is always to eliminate the infection and create a healthy environment.
If you are in Smyrna and are suffering from a painful, potentially infected tooth, do not wait. Your health is the top priority.
Contact Smyrna Dental Studio immediately to schedule an emergency evaluation. We will get you out of pain and create a safe, effective plan for your future smile.
