While it is always best to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible, there are some cases in which it simply isn’t possible. Whether finances are tight or life gets in the way, there are real reasons for which some people are simply not able to get a tooth replaced right away. If you are someone who has lost a tooth (or teeth) years ago who is now looking at replacement options, you may be wondering if the ship has sailed on dental implants as an option to consider. Happily, no – dental implants may still be an excellent option for you. While there could be some additional procedures required to prepare for installation of a dental implant, it is likely still a good and viable option to consider.
Dental Implants: Parts and Procedures
Dental implants are a three-piece system typically made of titanium; the first piece, called the dental implant fixture, is a small post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone below the gumline, providing prosthetic roots to support the rest of the fixture. Because the fusion of the implant fixture into the jawbone is such an important part of the dental implant placement process, ample time must be allowed for this process to be complete; on average, this takes anywhere from two to six months.
Once the implant fixture is firmly embedded into the jaw, a small connecting piece (called the abutment) is then added to the top of the implant fixture. This connecting piece can then in turn be used to connect with the bottom of the implant crown or any other implant-retained appliance such as a bridge or denture that is then used above the surface of the gums.
Special Considerations for Those Who Have Had Long-term Missing Teeth
For those who have been missing teeth for some time, there are some special considerations that must be taken into account when considering dental implants.
First, it is crucial that there is enough health bone mass available in the jaw to support a dental implant, and bone mass can be compromised in those who have been missing teeth for an extended period of time. In order to determine candidacy for dental implants, your dentist or oral surgeon will look at x-rays of your jaw to assess the amount of remaining bone that is present at the proposed implantation site. If enough healthy bone tissue is not present, they may recommend that you first undergo bone grafting before dental implants can be considered.
In some cases, if bone mass is compromised but the loss is not too great, it may be possible to look at mini dental implants as an alternative; these require less bone mass for insertion of the dental implant fixture but still require a certain amount of healthy bone tissue.
When teeth have been missing for more than a year, it is also likely that teeth around that site have begun to move and shift, perhaps crowding the proposed dental implant site. If this is the case, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend that you undergo some orthodontic procedures to move those teeth away from that area before proceeding.