Dental Implant Years After Extraction?

Dental implants are one of the most common options for replacing missing teeth. They replace the missing tooth with a strong restoration that is supported by a post placed into the jawbone. Many people choose implants because they look natural, stay securely in place, and restore the function of the missing tooth. Sometimes, for various reasons, people are unable or unwilling to replace their missing tooth right away. If this is you, you might be wondering what your options are, especially if it’s been years since the tooth was lost. Some people assume that they have waited too long and are no longer able to get an implant. In most cases, this is not true. Dental implants can often be placed years after an extraction. If you had a tooth removed years ago and are now considering an implant, read on to learn more.

Can You Get a Dental Implant Years After an Extraction?

The good news is that it is often possible to get a dental implant many years after a tooth has been removed. There is no specific amount of time that makes someone not able to have a dental implant installed. Ultimately, it depends on the condition of the bones and gums.

To see if you can still get an implant, the dentist will need to examine the area where the tooth was located. They will check the gums, nearby teeth, and the amount of bone that remains in the jaw. Dental X-rays or three-dimensional scans may be used to get a precision view of the area. If enough healthy bone remains, the dentist is able to place the implant without performing any additional procedure.

What If There Is Not Enough Bone?

Over time, when a tooth is lost, the bone starts to change. The roots of natural teeth, or the implant, help stimulate the jawbone. Every time you chew, pressure moves through the tooth root and into the surrounding bone. This helps keep the bone strong. Once the tooth is removed, the bone no longer receives the same stimulation. Over time, the jawbone may begin to shrink in that area. The amount of bone loss over time will vary from one person to another. The amount of bone loss also varys based on if you had some bone placed into the socket at the time of extraction.

Someone who has been missing a tooth for several years may still have enough bone for an implant. Another person may have more bone loss and need the area rebuilt first. If the jawbone has become too thin or weak, the dentist may recommend a bone graft, which adds material to the missing tooth area and helps rebuild the support needed for the implant.

What Else Can Affect Implant Treatment?

There are other factors besides bone and time that affect someone’s ability to get an implant. The gums must be healthy before an implant is placed. If gum disease or infection is present, it will need to be treated first. Nearby teeth may have shifted into the empty space as well. If this has happened, the dentist may need to create more room before placing the implant.

What Is the Bottom Line?

If you’re missing a tooth, it is usually not too late to get a dental implant. The first step is to speak with your dentist. They will examine the area, check the condition of the bone, and let you know if grafting or another procedure is needed before treatment begins.

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