[ Magok Implants_03 ] What Happens When You Miss the Right Time — Bone Starts to Resorb After Tooth Extraction

Hello.

We are Seoul Dia Dental Clinic,

helping turn dental concerns into comfort

at Magok Station.

This is the third installment in our series on the timing of implant placement!

In the previous installment,

we discussed cases where immediate implants are possible

and cases where they can be risky.

Today, we will talk about something

many people tend to take lightly.

"I’m not uncomfortable right now,

so it should be fine to wait a little longer."

There are really many people

who think this way after having a tooth extracted.

But here’s the thing.

While time passes after extraction

without doing anything,

quiet but steady changes are taking place inside your mouth.

Today, Seoul Dia Dental Clinic

will go through, one by one,

what happens when you miss the right timing.

Bone Starts to Resorb Immediately After Tooth Extraction

Magok Implants_Resorption of the Jawbone

Teeth

are structured with roots anchored in the bone.

When a tooth is present,

chewing forces are transmitted through the tooth to the bone,

stimulating and maintaining it.

But when the tooth is extracted,

that stimulation disappears.

The bone, no longer receiving stimulation,

begins to recognize,

"This area is no longer needed."

It then gradually begins to resorb.

This is called bone resorption (bone loss).

How quickly does the bone resorb?

Bone resorption

progresses most rapidly

during the first three months after extraction.

Studies have reported that during this period,

bone width decreases by approximately 25%,

while bone height decreases by approximately 4 mm.

One year after extraction,

bone width can decrease

by as much as 50%.

When you see the numbers,

it is much faster than you might expect, isn’t it?

What problems can occur as bone resorption progresses?

Magok Implants_Bone Grafting

1. Implant placement becomes more difficult

An implant

is a structure placed in the bone.

There must be enough bone

for the implant to become stably anchored.

However, if significant bone resorption has occurred,

there may not be enough space

in which to place the implant.

2. Bone grafting may become necessary

If there is not enough bone,

bone grafting surgery

may be needed to supplement the bone

before implant placement.

Bone grafting

also extends the treatment period

and adds to the cost.

This is a step that could have been avoided

if the implant had been placed

at the appropriate time from the beginning.

3. It affects the surrounding teeth

When an empty space forms,

the surrounding teeth

begin to tilt toward that space.

Front teeth tilt backward,

and back teeth tilt forward...

As the alignment of the teeth changes,

problems can also develop with the bite,

and the space may become even narrower

when an implant is placed later.

In severe cases,

orthodontic treatment may be needed first.

4. The opposing tooth moves downward or upward

The upper and lower teeth

maintain their positions by fitting together.

When an empty space forms,

the opposing tooth

may gradually move downward toward the space

or begin to move upward.

This is called extrusion.

An extruded tooth

can be difficult to return to its original position

and may lead to bite problems.

5. The gum contours collapse

When bone resorbs,

the gums covering it

also sink along with it.

When the gum contours collapse,

implant placement later

may not produce an aesthetically pleasing result,

and additional gum grafting

may sometimes be necessary.

What is the point at which it is “too late”?

Magok Implants_Cross-Section of Implant Placement

There is no single, exact deadline.

However, in general,

within three months after extraction

is known as the timing

when bone loss is least significant.

Of course, this period

can vary depending on the state of inflammation,

overall health, and bone condition.

What matters is not having a fixed standard

for “how long it is okay to wait,”

but having the condition checked at a dental clinic

as soon as possible after extraction

and establishing a treatment plan.

Please remember—

the longer you wait,

the fewer options you have

and the more complicated treatment becomes.

Magok Implants_Seoul Dia Dental Clinic

So, shall we briefly summarize today’s discussion?

• Bone begins to resorb immediately after tooth extraction

• The first three months are when bone resorption progresses most rapidly

• As the bone decreases, implant placement becomes more difficult and bone grafting may become necessary

• The surrounding teeth may shift, the opposing tooth may extrude, and the gum contours may change

• The most important thing is to establish a treatment plan quickly after extraction

In the next installment,

we will discuss “How to Decide on Implant Timing — Why It Should Not Be Too Early or Too Late.”

Have a healthy day,

and may your day be filled with bright smiles. ^^

[ This post was written in accordance with the Medical Service Act for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgeries and procedures. Infection and side effects may occur after surgery, so you should decide whether to undergo surgery or a procedure after consulting sufficiently with a skilled medical professional. ]

[ Implant Placement Timing ] Series

• Implants After Extraction: Should They Be Placed Immediately or Should You Wait?

• Immediate Implants After Extraction: When They Are Possible and When They Are Risky

• What Happens When You Miss the Right Time — Bone Starts to Resorb After Tooth Extraction

• How to Decide on Implant Timing — Why It Should Not Be Too Early or Too Late