Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they’re placed directly in your jawbone to function as sturdy, standalone structures.
However, if you’ve waited a long time to seek a replacement for your lost tooth, you might worry that it’s too late for you to undergo the procedure. Continue reading to learn more about whether or not you can still get dental implants!
How Does Tooth Loss Impact My Dental Health?
Would you be surprised to learn that the roots of your teeth help maintain your jawbone? They stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down or chew to keep it active and healthy. This, in turn, supports your facial structure and prevents tooth loss.
Unfortunately, when one goes missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year. This can contribute to various concerns, like dental drifting, that can wear down your enamel prematurely or unevenly, increasing your vulnerability to tooth decay and injuries. It can also cause sunken cheeks and additional facial wrinkles.
Why Do I Need a Healthy Jawbone for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only restorations that involve placing a titanium support rod into your jawbone for added strength and stability. Then, it takes about three to six months to heal after your procedure because your jaw must generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the biocompatible material in a process called osseointegration. This is what makes these prosthetics so resilient and long-lasting.
However, if your jaw is too frail, you’re less likely to complete this stage of recovery successfully, leaving you at a greater risk of experiencing failure.
Is It Too Late for Me to Get Dental Implants?
Your jawbone has likely lost a good portion of its original density if you’ve waited several months or years after losing a tooth to consult your dentist about possible replacements. In such circumstances, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s too late for you to undergo the procedure.
If your dentist examines your mouth and determines that you’re not currently a valid candidate for dental implants, don’t lose hope! In many cases, an additional bone graft procedure can bulk it up enough to continue with your chosen treatment.
Consulting your dentist is the best way to determine whether you’re a valid candidate for this procedure. They’ll discuss your current condition with you and provide a treatment plan based on their findings. Whether they approve you for implants right away or need to provide other services first, they can help you build and maintain a happy, healthy smile!
About the Practice
At Penn Dental Arts, you and your family benefit from two experts who are passionate about improving your lives by enhancing your dental condition. Dr. Patel, a prosthodontist, and Dr. Gaspari, a periodontist, collaborate to provide a comprehensive range of services at one convenient location. They have specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to perform each step of the dental implant process, including oral surgery, in the office to streamline your experience. Then, they create a customized dental crown (or other lifelike restoration) to close the gaps in your grin so you can eat, speak, and smile confidently. You can request an appointment on the website or call (484) 821-2974.