Dental Implants After Extractions: What to Know Before You Decide

If you've recently had teeth removed, or extractions are coming up, the question of implants probably isn't far behind.

Maybe your dentist mentioned them. Maybe someone in your life has them. Maybe you’ve already done some of your own research and are considering implants. Whatever brought the idea to your attention, it's a reasonable question to be sitting with right now.

We’re going to give you a clear, honest picture of what dental implants after extractions actually involve: what they are, when they make sense, what the process looks like, and what most people wish they'd known earlier. 

No pressure. No jargon. Just the information you need to think it through at your own pace.

What Are Dental Implants, Exactly?

Dental implants are small titanium posts placed into the jawbone. They act like artificial tooth roots. Once the bone grows around them, a process called osseointegration, they provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, whether that's a single crown, a partial denture arch, or a full denture solution.

Implants don't replace teeth on their own. They anchor them. That's the key thing most people don't realize: implants and dentures aren't opposite choices. In many cases, they work together.

For a complete overview of how implants work, what they cost, and whether you're a candidate, see our Complete Guide to Dental Implants.

Can You Get Implants After Extractions?

Yes! This is one of the most important things to understand. The fact that your teeth have already been removed does not close the door on implants.

Whether your extractions happened last month or several years ago, implants may still be a realistic option. What changes over time is the condition of the jawbone, and that affects how straightforward the process is, but it doesn't necessarily rule anything out.

Even long-time denture wearers explore implants successfully. In fact, one of the most common questions we hear at Saberton is whether it's too late. The short answer: it's usually not. For the full picture, read Can You Get Implants If You're Already Wearing Dentures?.

Why Timing After Extractions Matters More Than Most People Realize

When teeth are removed, the jawbone changes. This is normal! Without teeth stimulating the bone, it gradually loses volume over time. The gums reshape too. This process can be subtle at first, but it affects both denture fit and future implant planning.

That's why timing is one of the most important, and most overlooked, parts of this decision.Starting the implant conversation early (ideally before extractions, or soon after) gives you more options. It also helps you avoid locking into a permanent denture solution before your mouth has fully stabilized. A mistake that can limit your flexibility later!

To understand exactly how the healing timeline affects your choices, see Dentures After Extractions: Why Timing Matters.

The Mistake That Quietly Costs People Their Options

After full tooth removal, a lot of people just want the process to be over. That's completely understandable. But rushing into a permanent denture solution before the mouth has healed, or before understanding what implants could offer later, is one of the most common ways people accidentally limit their long-term comfort and flexibility.

The problem isn't wanting teeth quickly. It's making a final decision without having the full picture. Immediate dentures are often a good first step, but they're a starting point, not always a finish line. When they're treated as permanent before the mouth has settled, people sometimes end up with ongoing fit issues, less bone for future implants, and fewer options overall.

A more thoughtful approach means understanding your healing timeline, knowing what adjustments are normal, and keeping the door open to stability options — including implants — down the road. 

Read more about what goes wrong and how to avoid it: The Biggest Mistake People Make After Full Extractions.

What to Know If You've Just Had Teeth Removed

If extractions just happened, the first thing to understand is that healing takes time! And the decisions you make in the coming weeks and months can shape your comfort for years.

You don't need to decide everything right now. But you do benefit from having an informed conversation early, before choices narrow.

Here's what tends to matter most in the period right after extractions:

• Your mouth will keep changing for months. 
• Gums shrink, bone adapts, and bite relationships shift. 
• Any solution fitted too early may need significant adjustment later.

Immediate dentures can be a good bridge (these are placed right after extractions so you're never without teeth) but they're often a temporary starting point, not a permanent answer.

Implants can be explored at different points in the process: before extractions, shortly after, or even years later. Each has different considerations. Getting the information now doesn't mean committing to anything. It means knowing your options before circumstances limit them.

For a practical guide to the period right after extractions, see Just Had Teeth Extracted? What to Know Before Getting Dentures.

Implants vs. Dentures: It's Not Actually Either/Or

One of the biggest misconceptions about dental implants is that choosing them means giving up on dentures, or vice versa. In reality, modern tooth replacement solutions almost always involve both.

Here's how they work together:

• Traditional removable dentures rest on the gums. No implants required. A good starting point for many people, especially during healing.
• Implant-supported dentures (also called overdentures) use two to four implants to anchor a removable denture in place. More stability, less movement, no adhesive.
• Fixed dentures (sometimes called All-on-4 or All-on-6) are permanently attached to implants. They don't come out for cleaning. The closest thing to natural teeth.

The question isn't implants OR dentures. It's how much stability matters to you, what your mouth can support at this stage, and what fits your life and budget.

For a clear side-by-side look at these options and how to think through the choice, see Implants vs. Dentures When Facing Extractions: How to Think About the Choice.

What the Implant Process Actually Looks Like

For many people, the implant process feels unknown and therefore intimidating. Here's a plain-language overview of what's typically involved after extractions.

Step 1: Consultation and Assessment

Before anything else, your denturist or surgeon will assess your jawbone, gum health, and overall mouth condition. X-rays or scans help determine whether there's adequate bone for implant placement, and what the best timeline might be for your situation.

Step 2: Healing After Extractions

If extractions are recent, there's a healing period  (typically several weeks to a few months) before implants can be placed. During this time, many patients wear immediate or transitional dentures to maintain function and appearance.

Step 3: Implant Placement

Titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone. This is done under local anesthetic and is generally well-tolerated. Most people return to their normal routine within a day or two.

Step 4: Osseointegration (The Bone Bonding Phase)

Over the next three to six months, the bone grows around the implant and bonds with it. This is what gives implants their strength and stability. It cannot be rushed but temporary teeth can usually be worn throughout.

Step 5: Final Restoration

Once integration is confirmed, your permanent denture, crown, or fixed teeth are attached. This is the final step, and for most people, it marks the point where things start feeling normal again. In some cases (for patients who qualify), implants can be placed the same day as extractions, reducing the overall timeline and number of appointments.

What Happens If You've Already Lost Bone?

Bone loss after tooth removal is extremely common. In fact, it's expected! Without teeth to stimulate the jaw, the bone gradually changes over time. This doesn't automatically disqualify you from implants.

Depending on the extent of bone loss, a bone graft may be discussed as part of the treatment plan. A graft builds up the jaw using bone material that provides a stronger foundation for implants. It adds time to the process, but it's a well-established approach that makes implants possible for many people who assumed they weren't a candidate.

The only way to know what you're working with is a proper assessment. An X-ray or cone beam CT scan gives a clear picture of bone volume and guides next steps.

Cost, Coverage, and Making It Work in Ontario

Cost is a real consideration for most people, so it's worth knowing that implants don't have to be an all-or-nothing decision, and the Saberton team is here to help you along the way.

Payment Plans

At Saberton, payment plan options are available for patients who need to spread out costs. The goal is to help people access the care that's right for them without being priced out of options.

A Staged Approach

Not everything has to happen at once. Many patients start with immediate dentures after extractions, reassess once healing is complete, and explore implant stabilization in a second phase, when timing and finances align. This staged approach can make the overall investment more manageable.

Common Questions About Implants After Extractions

How soon after extractions can I get implants?

It depends on your healing and bone health. In some cases, implants can be placed the same day as extractions. In others, a waiting period of a few months is recommended. Your denturist or surgeon will advise based on your specific situation.

Are implants painful?

The procedure is done under local anesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during placement. Post-procedure soreness is common for a few days and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients are surprised by how tolerable the experience is.

What if I've been wearing dentures for years?

You can still explore implants. Long-term denture wearers do successfully get implants, though bone loss may mean additional steps like grafting are involved. The best way to know is to have a proper assessment.

Do I have to replace my dentures to get implants?

Not necessarily. In many cases, existing dentures can be adapted or retrofitted to attach to implants, rather than being replaced from scratch. This can reduce both cost and disruption.

What if I can't afford implants right now?

That's a common situation, and there's no shame in it. Starting with well-fitted dentures and keeping the implant conversation open for later is a valid plan. The key is not making permanent decisions that accidentally close the door on future options.

What Makes Saberton Different for This Conversation

Saberton Denture & Implant serves patients across Ontario's Golden Horseshoe! We have clinics in Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and Mississauga (Erin Mills). 

Our team includes licensed denturists who specialize in tooth replacement after extractions, and who work closely with trusted partners specializing in oral surgery on implant cases.

What we hear most often from new patients is that no one has taken the time to explain their options clearly; without pressure, without upselling, and without assuming they should just get dentures and move on.

That's not how we work. Whether you're coming in the week after extractions or five years later, the conversation starts in the same place: what do you need, what are your options, and what makes sense for your life right now.

Free initial consultations are available at all Saberton locations. No commitments, no surprises, just clarity. 

Book a free consultation at a Saberton location near you 

Explore the Full Series

This page is part of a series of articles on tooth replacement after extractions. Each one goes deeper on a specific part of the decision:

• Implants vs. Dentures When Facing Extractions: How to Think About the Choice | A clear framework for the implants-or-dentures question, without pressure.
• The Biggest Mistake People Make After Full Extractions | Why rushing into a permanent solution often backfires, and what to do instead.
• Can You Get Implants If You're Already Wearing Dentures? | Everything you need to know if you've already had extractions and started with dentures.
• Dentures After Extractions: Why Timing Matters | How healing timelines affect denture fit, implant planning, and long-term comfort.‍
• Just Had Teeth Extracted? What to Know Before Getting Dentures | A practical guide for the period right after extractions.

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