If you lost a tooth or two in the past, you might’ve gone without replacing them. Regardless of the reason why, you likely come across the problems that missing teeth can cause. You may have trouble eating comfortably or feel self-conscious about showing off your smile, but there are ways you can fix them. Dental implants are a reliable choice, but are you too late to get them? Here’s what you need to know and how time might not matter.
What Are Dental Implants?
It’s important to learn more about this service before diving into your eligibility for it. In short, dental implants are posts that are placed and fused to your jawbone. This bond makes it a permanent part of your oral anatomy and allows you to enjoy up to 90% of your original bite force. Better yet, the restoration on top looks lifelike, so you can enjoy results that look and feel natural.
So, Am I Too Late for Dental Implants?
The good news is that you may not be too late for dental implants. However long it’s been since you’ve been missing teeth, you might still be able to get them. While time doesn’t come into play, what does is your oral and overall health.
It’s important you don’t have any dental problems, like cavities or gum disease, as they can increase your risk of failure if you aren’t careful. Not only that, but systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, need to be managed as they can slow down your recovery after placement.
One of the biggest factors for this tooth replacement is your jawbone density. Without the roots of your teeth, your jaw will start to weaken over time. Your body will take minerals from it to use elsewhere, but this natural process can cause trouble. There may not be a good enough foundation for implants if it’s been several years, so it’s risky to get them immediately if this is the case.
How Can I Improve My Eligibility for Dental Implants?
By talking to your dentist, you can learn more about this treatment to see if you’re a good candidate for it. If you aren’t right away, then you can learn more about your next steps toward a full smile. For some, that means preliminary services like managing gum disease or a bone graft to reinforce your jawbone. No matter what, your provider can come up with a game plan to give you the restored grin you dream of.
About the Practice
At Richland Dental, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are dedicated to helping the Richardson community replace their missing teeth with reliable solutions like dental implants. By completing the entire process in-house, you can feel confident knowing we stay at your side throughout. If you want to learn more about this procedure for yourself, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 812-9701.