Are Dental Implants Possible Years After Extraction?
If you’ve had a tooth extracted, you may be wondering if dental implants are an option for you. Dental implants can provide a secure and long-lasting solution replacement for missing teeth.
However, they require healthy bone tissue in order to be successful. If your extracted tooth has caused significant bone loss, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants.
The good news, however, is that advances in implant technology have made it possible to place implants even years after tooth extraction. So don’t rule them out just yet. Keep reading to learn more about dental implants and whether they may be a good option for you.
Can Dental Implants Be Installed Years After a Tooth Extraction?
In many people’s minds, dental implants can only be installed after teeth extraction. However, this is not always the case. In some instances, dental implants can be installed years after a tooth has been removed.
While dental implants are typically placed a few months after tooth extraction, in some cases, an oral surgeon may be able to place them years later.
A dental implant’s success is dependent on different factors. One of these is the condition of the jawbone where the implant will be placed. When a tooth is extracted, the area can experience bone loss over time. If too much bone has been lost, it may not be able to support a dental implant. Fortunately, there are options such as bone grafts that can help rebuild the jawbone and make it suitable for implant placement.
If you are considering dental implants, you must speak with your implant dentist or an oral surgeon to determine if they are right for you.
What are the Disadvantages of Dental Implants?
Despite their popularity, dental implants are not right for everyone. If you’re considering getting dental implants, there are a few disadvantages that you should know about before deciding to undergo dental implant surgery.
Some disadvantages of dental implants include:
- They are more expensive than other prosthetic teeth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures.
- The dental implant process requires oral surgery. This carries some risks of complications and side effects, such as damage to adjacent teeth and soft tissues, infection, nerve damage, and many more.
- There is a small chance that the implant will not fuse to the bone correctly and will need to be removed.
- They require diligent oral hygiene habits.
- They require a longer recovery time compared to other teeth replacement alternatives.
- If you do not take care of your implants, they can become infected, leading to serious health problems.
While dental implants have some disadvantages, they are still considered the preferred option for replacing missing teeth. If you are considering getting dental implants, discuss your options with your dentist and know what is appropriate for your needs.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred option when it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth. And it’s easy to see why – dental implants offer many benefits over other replacement teeth options.
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they help to preserve bone by stimulating new bone growth. This helps prevent facial sagging and wrinkles over time. Meanwhile, other teeth replacement options, such as dentures, can actually lead to bone loss over time.
Dental implants are also much more comfortable than other tooth replacement options and can help you eat and speak normally. They also feel and look more like your natural teeth. With dentures and bridges being less secure and less stable, there is a chance for the dental prosthetic to slip and slide.
Lastly, dental implants can last decades or longer with proper care, while dentures and bridges will eventually need to be replaced much sooner.
If you’re considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about all the benefits they can offer.
What Possible Complications Can Arise with Delayed Dental Implant Installation?
The dental implant process in itself is a pretty straightforward procedure. However, a few possible complications can arise from delayed dental implant installation. Here are some of them.
Bone Loss
Another complication that can occur is bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is extracted, the bone resorbs or breaks down. This process of bone resorption is accelerated when a tooth is missing for an extended period of time. Over time, this can lead to insufficient bone support for dental implants.
In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to provide enough support for dental implants.
Infection
The most common complication associated with delayed dental implant installation is an infection at the implant site. If you wait too long after tooth extraction surgery to have your implant placed, the bone and tissue around the extraction site may not have healed properly. This can lead to infection and other complications.
Periodontal Disease
With missing teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up in the gaps and lead to periodontal (gum) disease. This can cause further damage to the surrounding bone and tissue. And, make it more difficult for dental implants to be successfully placed in the future.
Teeth Shifting
One possible complication that can arise from delayed dental implant installation is that the surrounding teeth can shift. This is because there is no longer a tooth in the space to provide support and keep the other teeth aligned.
These are just some possible complications that can arise with delayed dental implant installation. Discuss all potential risks with your dentist if you are considering dental implants.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long to Get an Implant?
If you wait too long for implant placement, the bone in your jaw may not be strong enough to support the implant. In this case, you may need a bone graft before you can get an implant.
A bone graft is a procedure in which your dentist will place new bone material in your jaw to provide support for the implant. This procedure is usually done before implant surgery.
Additionally, the following problems can occur:
- There is a possibility that the implant will not fuse properly with your jawbone. This can cause the implant to become loose.
- The implant may not look natural. It may be visible above the gum line, or it may not match the colour of your real teeth.
Final Thoughts
Delayed dental implant installation is when the implant is placed on the jawbone of the extracted tooth years after the tooth has been extracted. Many patients ask if this is possible, and the answer is yes!
However, it is important to consult your oral surgeon to see if you are a candidate for delayed dental implant installation. Some factors that will be considered are your overall health, lifestyle, medications, and whether or not the procedure is in the interest of your oral health.
If you have any questions about delayed dental implant installation, book an appointment online or call Darch Dental Care! We’d love to chat with you about this dental procedure and see if it’s the right option for you.
Frequently Asked questions
Dental implants are not for everyone. The suitable candidates for dental implant surgery have good oral hygiene, healthy gums, enough bone to support the implant, and are committed to sticking to the dentist’s treatment plan.
In certain cases, dental implant surgery may not be the right option for:
- Those who suffer from bone loss in the jaw. This is because the metal posts rely on sufficient bone density of the jawbone for support. Without a strong foundation of adequate bone, the implant is not likely to be successful.
- People with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disease. These medical conditions can interfere with the body’s ability to heal after oral surgery.
- People who smoke or have active gum disease. This is because they are more likely to experience bone loss around the implant. Severe gum disease can lead to implant failure.
If you are considering dental implants, it is important to talk to your dentist about whether or not they are right for you.
Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” when it comes to tooth replacement. They’re also the most expensive option, costing an average of $3,000-$6,000 per tooth.
Dentures are a cheaper alternative and a more budget-friendly option, averaging between $1,600 and $4,500 for a complete set. Dental bridges are in the middle, costing an average of $4,300-$5,800 per tooth.
In most cases, a dentist or oral surgeon will perform dental implant surgery. In some cases, periodontists or prosthodontists may also be qualified to do the procedure.
It’s important to choose a skilled and experienced provider for long-lasting results. This way, you can feel confident in the quality and stability of your dental implants.
In some cases, you may be able to get dental implants without bone grafting. However, this is usually only possible if you had your original teeth extracted recently.
If it’s been years since your tooth loss, it’s likely that the jawbone has deteriorated. And it may not be able to support dental implants without bone grafting. Your dentist will assess the condition and quality of your jawbone and make recommendations for your specific case.
via Darch Dental Care darchdental.com.au/are-dent...
