Have you been missing teeth for some time? You might be wondering if your opportunity to get dental implants has passed you by. It is never a good idea to put off a surgical procedure, including dental implants. Missing teeth has a negative impact on oral health and self-esteem. However, dental implants could still be a good option for you. Here’s what you should know.
Can You Be Disqualified from Dental Implants If You Wait Too Long?
When you chew your food, the teeth stimulate your jawbone via the roots to keep it strong and healthy. This stimulation helps your jawbone to absorb minerals. If this stimulation isn’t occurring, minerals are sent to other areas of the body, so the health of your jawbone 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, it doesn’t mean that you are automatically disqualified from the procedure. Your dentist will examine the jawbone to see if it is sufficient enough to support dental implants. If not, you might need a bone graft beforehand. This procedure is done to strengthen the jawbone so it can be healthy enough to support your replacement teeth.
How Does Tooth Loss Affect the Mouth?
In addition to bone loss, here are some of the ways that missing teeth impact your oral health.
- Shifting Teeth: over time, the teeth near the location of the missing tooth begin to shift around to fill in the hap. This can take away from the appearance of your teeth, even causing you to need orthodontic treatment before getting dental implants.
- Pneumatization: This is when the sinuses move. Your sinuses are located in the upper jaw, so when the tooth is gone, they can shift and make your procedure more complicated.
- Supra Eruption: This happens when the tooth below or above a missing tooth begins to move into the free space. This ends up looking strong and complicates the procedure.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Should You Get a Dental Implant?
The amount of time you need to wait to get a dental implant varies on multiple factors. That includes the health of the extraction site and the position of your surrounding teeth. It is usually recommended to wait approximately 10 weeks to allow the area to heal. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to put together a plan that best meets your needs.
If you have been missing teeth for a long time, dental implants might still be an option. By working with your dentist, you can make a plan that’s right for you. You will be showing of a complete smile in just a matter of time!
About the Practice
At Goodyear Family Dentistry, Dr. Kallen Wheeler, Dr. Elizabeth Caggiano, and Dr. Lucas Miller work together to treat patients in the Goodyear community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (520) 521-0387.