Can I Get A Dental Implant Years Later?

Dental implants are getting more popular as the best and longer-lasting tooth replacement solution. They are a durable, permanent option that can help restore your smile and function.

However, most people wait for a while to get them, even after a tooth extraction. Various factors can contribute to this, including dental implant cost. Because dental implant treatment is expensive, most people are willing to wait till they can afford the treatment, even if it means waiting for years.

But, what happens if you wait for years after losing a tooth to consider getting an implant? Can you still get a dental implant years later? Keep reading to learn what to expect when you decide to get a dental implant treatment in Brisbane  years later.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a fake tooth root that is placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. These dental implants are made of titanium which is compatible with the natural tissues of the body.
Dental implants are commonly used to replace missing teeth, providing a strong and permanent foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. They can also preserve the jawbone, which can deteriorate over time when teeth are missing.

The entire dental implant process takes several months, but the result is a better-looking and longer-lasting functional tooth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are several types of dental implants available, and these include:

1. Endosteal Implants: These are the most used type of dental implant and are placed directly into the jaw bone. They are typically shaped like small screws, cylinders, or plates.

2. Zygomatic Implants: These implants are used when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to support traditional implants. They are anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) instead of the jawbone.

3. All-On-4 Implants: This dental technique uses four dental implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. The implants are strategically placed to maximise support and stability.

Factors To Consider Before Getting A Dental Implant Years After Extraction

If you are considering getting a dental implant years after extraction, there are several factors to take into account. These include:

Overall Oral Health

Your dentist will evaluate your overall oral health, including the condition of your remaining teeth and gums. If you have any underlying dental or periodontal issues, these will need to be addressed before proceeding with implant placement.

Amount of Remaining Bone

You may experience bone loss after tooth extraction, so your dentist will evaluate the amount of remaining bone in the affected area.

If your bone cannot support the implant, you will need bone grafting or other preparatory procedures. Although dental implants have a high success rate, without enough bone mass to support them, you might experience implant failure.

Location of the Missing Tooth

The location of the missing tooth can also impact the feasibility of implant placement. For example, if the missing tooth is in the front of the mouth, it may be more challenging to achieve an aesthetic result, as the implant crown will be visible when you smile.

General Health

Medical conditions, like gum disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders, can impact the success of dental implant surgery. Your dentist will evaluate your overall health to ensure that you are fit for the procedure.

Lifestyle Habits

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also impact the success of dental implant surgery. If you smoke, your dentist may recommend that you quit before undergoing the procedure. You should also maintain good oral hygiene.

In general, it is important to have a thorough evaluation by a qualified dental professional before proceeding with dental implant surgery.

How Long Should You Wait To Get A Dental Implant After Extraction?

In general, it is recommended to wait a few months after tooth extraction. The exact amount of time will depend on several factors, including the location of the extracted tooth and the condition of the surrounding bone and gum tissue.

After tooth extraction, the surrounding bone begins to resorb or shrink, which can make it more difficult to place an implant in the same location. Waiting a few months allows time for the socket to heal and for some bone regrowth to occur, which can improve the success of the implant placement.

In some cases, if there is sufficient bone and the tooth was extracted for reasons other than infection, implant placement may be possible immediately after extraction. This is known as immediate implant placement.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your situation and make recommendations for the appropriate timing of implant placement. It is important to follow their recommendations to ensure the best possible outcome for your dental implant.

Can You Get A Dental Implant After Missing A Tooth For Years?

Yes, it is often possible to get a dental implant after missing a tooth for years.

As mentioned earlier, when a tooth is missing, the surrounding bone can begin to resorb, or shrink, which can make it more challenging to place an implant in the same location. If significant bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be necessary to rebuild the area before implant placement.

In addition, other preparatory procedures may be needed, such as gum grafting or a sinus lift, depending on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of the surrounding teeth and gum tissues.

How Long Can You Wait To Get A Dental Implant After Missing A Tooth?

The ideal timing for dental implant placement after missing a tooth is within a few months (at least two months) after extraction or loss of the tooth. This is because waiting too long can result in significant bone loss in the area, which can make implant placement more challenging.

However, if much time has passed since the tooth was lost, you can still get a dental implant with proper preparatory procedures, such as bone grafting.

It is important to consult an experienced dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best timing for implant placement based on your situation. They can evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums, and bone and recommend a treatment plan that will help you achieve a healthy, functional, and aesthetic smile.

Getting Dental Implants Years Later

What happens when you get a tooth implant years later after a tooth extraction? Will it fail? Here is what to expect

Can You Get A Dental Implant 2 Years After Extraction?

Yes, it is generally possible to get permanent artificial teeth 2 years after extraction, assuming there is enough bone in the area to support the implant. Waiting a few months after extraction allows the area to heal and for some bone regeneration to occur, which can improve the chances of successful implant placement.

However, the more you wait after tooth extraction, bone loss will occur in the area, which can make implant placement more challenging.

Can You Get A Dental Implant 5 Years After Extraction?

Yes, it is possible to get a dental implant 5 years after extraction.

As mentioned earlier, waiting too long after tooth extraction can result in significant bone loss in the area, thus increasing the risk of tooth implant failure. If significant bone loss has occurred, preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or gum grafting may be necessary to rebuild the area before implant placement.

Can You Get A Dental Implant 10 Years After Extraction?

Yes, it is possible to get a dental implant 10 years after extraction. Since you will experience bone loss, you will need to start preparing for a bone graft procedure before getting your implants.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your situation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Your bone density can affect the success of dental implants.

Can You Get A Dental Implant 20 Years After Extraction?

Yes, you can but waiting for this long will cause more bone loss as you need enough healthy bone for better support.

If significant bone loss has occurred, preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or gum grafting may be necessary to rebuild the area before implant placement. Insufficient bone will increase dental implant complications.

Conclusion

Getting dental implants is most often the best solution to replacing your missing teeth and you do not have to wait for a long time to get them. The longer you neglect a missing tooth, the more you expose that area to severe gum disease.

Moorooka Dental Care in Brisbane can help you achieve a natural-looking and long-lasting smile with their expertise in dental implant procedures. If you are looking to restore your smile, book a consultation today and take the first step toward improving your oral health and confidence.

FAQs

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They provide a strong and permanent foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, and can also preserve the jawbone.

Can you get a dental implant years after tooth extraction?

Yes, it is possible to get a dental implant years after tooth extraction. However, factors such as overall oral health, the amount of remaining bone, the location of the missing tooth, general health, and lifestyle habits must be taken into account before proceeding with implant placement.

How long should you wait to get a dental implant after a tooth extraction?

In general, it is recommended to wait a few months after tooth extraction before getting a dental implant. This allows time for the socket to heal and for some bone regrowth to occur, which can improve the success of the implant placement. The exact amount of time will depend on several factors, including the location of the extracted tooth and the condition of the surrounding bone and gum tissue.

How long can you wait to get a dental implant after missing a tooth?

The ideal timing for dental implant placement after missing a tooth is within a few months (at least two months) after extraction or loss of the tooth. Waiting too long can result in significant bone loss in the area, which can make implant placement more challenging. However, if much time has passed since the tooth was lost, you can still get a dental implant with proper preparatory procedures, such as bone grafting. It is important to consult an experienced dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best course of action.