Have you been missing teeth for multiple years now? You may be wondering if your chance to get dental implants has passed you by. It is never a good idea to put off a surgery – including dental implants. Missing teeth has a negative impact on oral health and lower your self-esteem. However, dental implants might still be in your future. Here’s what you should know.
Can You Be Disqualified from Dental Implants for Waiting Too Long?
When you chew your food, your teeth stimulate your jawbone to keep it strong. Stimulation also allows your jaw to absorb minerals. When stimulation isn’t happening, minerals ae sent to other areas of the body, so the health of your jaw decreases. The longer you are missing teeth, the more bone resorption occurs.
The good news is that even if you have been missing teeth for a long time, this doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants. Your dentist will examine your jawbone to see if it is sufficient enough to support implants. If not, you might need a bone graft before you can get implants. This procedure is completed to strengthen the jawbone so it can be healthy enough to support your replacement teeth.
How Does Tooth Loss Affect Your Smile?
Tooth loss can lead to various oral health issues if the tooth isn’t replaced as soon as possible. In addition to bone loss, here are some of the other consequences that may get in the way of dental implants:
- Shifting Teeth: Over time the teeth near the space of a missing teeth start to shift to fill in the gap. This can take away from the appearance of your teeth and could require you to get orthodontic treatment before you can get implants.
- Pneumatization: This is when your sinuses move. Your sinuses are located in the upper jaw, so when a tooth is removed without replacing it, they can shift and make dental implant surgery more complicated.
- Supra Eruption: This happens when the tooth below or above a missing tooth begins to move into the free space. This looks strange and complicates the dental implant procedure.
How Long After an Extraction Should You Get a Dental Implant?
The amount of time you should wait to get a dental implant varies on several factors. This includes the health of the extraction site and position of surrounding teeth. Generally speaking, you should wait about 10 weeks so the area can completely heal, then get a dental implant to prevent loss in bone density. Schedule a consultation with your dentist so you can put together a plan that best meets your needs.
If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, dental implants may still be a possibility. By working with your dentist, you can make a plan that’s right for you. You’ll be showing off a complete smile in just a matter of time!
About the Author
Dr. Xhelo Shuaipaj is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 25 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Loyola University College of Dental Surgery and holds Fellowship status in The Doctors for Oral Conscious Sedation (DOCS) as well as a Fellowship in The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office, visit his website or call (630) 968-8439.