If you’re struggling with tooth loss, then you know all too well the effects it has on simple oral tasks. That’s why, to help restore your ability to chew and speak properly, you might be considering getting dental implants to rebuild your smile. However, if it’s been years since you’ve lost your pearly whites, can you still be eligible for the treatment? Keep reading to learn if it’s possible to wait too long to replace missing teeth with dental implants and what your dentist can do to help you.
Are There Consequences for Waiting Too Long for Dental Implants?
Whenever you lose a tooth, your body will start to undergo resorption—a process in which raw bone material is absorbed and typically distributed elsewhere. This is because of the lack of a root to stimulate the jawbone. If left unaddressed for too long, your bone tissue can begin to deteriorate, shrinking and weakening your jaw.
Dental implants must have sufficient jawbone density to support them, as they’ll need to integrate properly to create the necessary foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture. For this reason, dentists will typically recommend this treatment be performed immediately after losing a tooth or having one removed. This will minimize resorption and allow your dental implants a higher rate of success.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
Even if it has been too long since you’ve lost some or all of your teeth, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to give up entirely on renewing your smile with dental implants. After undergoing an oral examination, your dentist might determine that a bone graft can be performed to help you. This minor oral surgery involves embedding bone material (from either another part of your body or a donor) into the area in your jawbone that requires more density. Once the tissue has properly integrated with your jaw, you may be able to receive dental implants with a higher chance of success. Of course, you’ll need to wait several months before you can move forward with your restorative treatment.
Whether you’ve lost your teeth recently or it’s been many years, there’s still a chance that you could rebuild them with dental implants! You might experience a lengthier process, but you’ll be able to enjoy showing off your complete smile for decades to come.
About the Author
With well over two decades of experience, Dr. Travis Spillman loves building strong connections and developing solutions for improving people’s smiles. He’s undergone advanced training in areas like dental implants and regularly seeks continuing education to refine his skills. If you’d like to know more about this restorative treatment or wish to schedule your consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our office at 972-945-0887.