In order to minimize the consequences of tooth loss, dental professionals often recommend that their patients get dental implants as soon as possible. But what if you lost your teeth a long time ago? You might wonder if dental implants are still an option for you, or if you will need to explore other options for improving your dental health. You can be hopeful! This blog post explores what you should know about getting dental implants months or even many years after losing your teeth.
Why Delay Can Affect Implant Treatment
After tooth loss, the jaw no longer receives the pressure and stimulation that natural tooth roots provide. As a result, the bone in that area can shrink and weaken over time. The bone loss often starts soon after extractions, and the process continues indefinitely, though the most dramatic changes tend to happen within the first few months. This process, known as bone resorption, can cause the jaw to become too small and weak to support dental implants.
However, that does not necessarily mean you missed your chance. Many people still qualify for implants even years after tooth loss. Your oral surgeon or implant dentist can evaluate your bone level, gum health, bite, and medical history. From there, you can learn about the next steps in your tooth replacement journey.
What Your Dentist May Recommend
If you have experienced some bone loss in your jaw, your oral surgeon may recommend one or more of the following advanced treatments to allow you to benefit from dental implants:
- Bone grafting: If your jaw lacks adequate width or height, you may need a graft to fortify and enlarge it. There are several types of bone grafts, and the procedure can be adapted to the unique needs of each patient.
- All-on-4 treatment: If you need to replace a full arch of missing teeth, your surgeon may suggest All-on-4. In this treatment, four implants are placed in the jawbone at locations where it is naturally strong and thick.
- Zygomatic implants: If you have experienced severe bone loss in the upper jaw, you may qualify for implants that anchor in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.
- Removable implant dentures: Some types of removable implant dentures can be supported by as few as two implant posts, which minimizes the need for bone grafting.
Once implants are in place, they can help preserve your jawbone and may even reverse bone loss to a degree.
So, Can You Wait Too Long?
Waiting a long time to get dental implants can certainly make the treatment process more complex. Your procedure may require more time, more planning, and more preparatory care before implant placement. Still, you should not lose hope! Talk to a qualified oral surgeon so you can have realistic expectations for your tooth replacement journey.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Steve Koo is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience in his field. Under his leadership, our team provides advanced dental implant services. We do not shy away from complex cases! To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our Katy, TX, office at 832-353-1100.