How do I know the infection is gone from a tooth my dentist extracted? Is there a waiting period before I can receive a dental implant? I want to be sure that the infection is gone before putting an implant there to avoid having problems with the implant. The dentist is ready to place the implant, but I just finished antibiotics, and I think she should wait. I had wisdom teeth removed years ago, and it took some time to heal and for the infection to resolve. Is it safe to move forward? Thank you. Andre from Boston

Andre,

Thank you for contacting us with your questions. We understand your concerns about getting healthy dental implants that last.

Does Tooth Infection Remain After Extraction?

Tooth extraction and antibiotics remove the source of the infection and prevent it from lingering.

• Your body quickly eliminates the condition in the bone.
• A drainage opening is left that prevents the infection from lingering.
• Your dentist prescribed antibiotics to ensure the infection was gone.

How Does Wisdom Teeth Infection Compare with Other Teeth?

The infection in wisdom teeth is usually between the tooth and the gum rather than inside the tooth pulp. A dentist must remove tissue and bone while removing an impacted wisdom tooth, and infection can spread to the surgical site. After the surgery, the wound is sutured closed. It is more likely to have an infection after the impacted wisdom tooth is removed, so dentists prescribe antibiotics to prevent it. But wisdom teeth are not replaced with dental implants, so it is not an issue.

Although it is probably safe to get an implant, you can ask your dentist to wait a few weeks to ensure you have no symptoms. If your dentist is concerned about your comfort, she will respect your wishes.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.