Thanks for the reply Bryanna

Before the tooth was extracted they told me it would be at least 4 months before it would be ready for an implant (based on x-rays). During the extraction they cut open the gum (at the front) so they could get a better look and then said it could be 6 weeks as it looked a lot better than they thought.

The surgeon specialises in dental implants and apparently "From 2006 to 2012 he was a tutor in Implant Surgery".

They also checked the teeth either side (x-ray) - both healthy and no signs of infection.

I guess I am going to have to wait and see....

At the moment my main concern is that all the infection is removed. It sounds like it was all at the front of the tooth, where the buccal plate should have been.

They want to see me again next week, so I'll get my questions ready!!