Even if you want dental implants, you may fear you’re too late to try them. Perhaps you’ve left your missing teeth untreated for many years now. Well, don’t worry; you can never wait too long to get dental implants. However long you’ve dealt with tooth loss, the right dental provider can still place the posts effectively. Your Dallas dentist can even explain just why that’s the case. To that end, here’s a primer on dental implants and how they’re always a treatment option.
It’s True: Tooth Loss Erodes Your Jaw
To be fair, it’s best to get a dental implant right after losing a tooth. A quick treatment without delays lets you avoid bone loss in your jaw.
The main issue is that prolonged tooth loss weakens the jawbone. Your jaw depends on the chewing force from a full smile, so losing any teeth will cause it to erode. If left unchecked, that erosion will then lead to facial collapse – a condition that makes your face sag and look shriveled.
A very weak jawbone simply can’t receive dental implants. It wouldn’t support the metal posts and keep them stable. That means treatment would fail soon after placement surgery, as your implants would soon fall out.
You’re Never Too Late for Dental Implants
With all that said, there’s good news: you’re never too late for dental implants. The treatment can still work even if you’ve lacked teeth for years. However, you’d need preliminary dental work first.
To be specific, patients who’ve gone years without teeth may need a bone graft. This procedure adds volume and density to your jawbone by “grafting in” new material. When the grafted bone is placed, it provides space for your body to do crucial repairs. It ensures new bone tissue can grow and regenerate the area.
Your jaw should be nice and strong after a bone graft. Once you’ve recovered from it, you’ll be ready for a dental implant treatment.
Why Switch to Them Now?
Switching to dental implants is always worthwhile, even if it involves a prior bone graft. Treatment would provide benefits like:
- High Success Rate – When properly placed, dental implants have a ten-year success rate above 95%!
- Natural Looks – Today’s implants blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth thanks to their porcelain surfaces. They always look like natural parts of your smile.
- A Younger Face – By stimulating your jawbone, implants ensure your face stays full and vibrant.
- Easier Eating – Dental implants restore your bite force, allowing you to chew tough foods.
- Long-Lasting Effects – When given proper care, dental implants can last twenty years or more.
While you’re never too late to get dental implants, it’s better to get them sooner than later. Consult your dental provider to see if they have any openings!
About the Practice
Casper Family Dentistry of Dallas is based in Dallas, TX. Led by the amazing Dr. Zach Kingsburg, our practice always aims to provide patients with stellar dental care. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your specific oral needs. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (469)-333-2733.