Dental implants can be the best way to replace missing teeth, but they need certain conditions to be successful. The truth is that the sooner a tooth can be replaced, the better the outcome. However, there are ways to receive dental implants even if a long time has passed since the tooth was lost. Here’s what you should know about dental implants and getting them if you’ve gone for some time with missing teeth.
How Soon After an Extraction Should You Get Dental Implants?
The ideal length of time between extraction and implantation varies. Contributing factors include the health of the jaw and gum tissue at the extraction site and the position of the neighboring teeth. Dentists and oral surgeons typically recommend waiting at least ten weeks to allow the mouth to heal without giving the jaw too much time to lose bone density.
What Happens If You Wait Before Getting Dental Implants?
Most people will lose a tooth at some point in their lifetime, and the chances of it happening increase with age. The teeth keep the jaw stimulated as they work with it in the chewing process. This provides the exercise the jawbone needs to remain strong and healthy. When a tooth is lost, so is the pressure it applies to the jaw. Without this stress, the jawbone will begin to atrophy as it is resorbed into the body.
This process begins almost immediately after tooth loss. As the bone beneath one empty socket recedes, it can drag the neighboring teeth with it. This pulls teeth out of alignment and can leave them jutting out at improper angles. This can expose them to wear and damage, which can lead to decay that requires extraction. With another tooth lost, the brutal cycle continues. If the jaw recedes too much over time, it will not have enough bone mass to support dental implants.
Can I Still Get Dental Implants After Waiting So Long?
The good news is that there is hope for people who have lost jawbone mass. Through the process of bone grafting, a receded jaw can be reinforced. The process works by taking donor bone tissue and implanting it into the area lacking bone mass. Once the graft is placed, the body will integrate it into the native bone structure over several months. With the added bone mass, the jaw can serve as a sturdy foundation for dental implants. These natural-looking and fully functional artificial teeth will restore the exercise the jaw needs to remain strong and healthy.
While the process of getting dental implants can seem like a lot to some people, the results are well worth it. The procedure restores the ability to eat foods that might have been unchewable before, and a full and beautiful smile can provide a lifetime of confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Lucia Troisi graduated from NOVA Southeastern University in 2017 before completing additional advanced training in orthodontics and dental implants at the New York University College of Dental Medicine. Her office in Chesapeake, VA, provides dental care including general, pediatric, and restorative dentistry. If you’re curious about whether you are a good candidate for dental implants, contact her online or dial (757) 548-1611.