Perhaps you have only recently experienced tooth loss and are wondering if you should wait to get dental implants. Or maybe it’s been a while since it happened and you’ve simply learned to deal with the changes to the best of your ability. You figure if things get bad enough down the road you can always just see your dentist about an implant, right? Unfortunately, there are certain changes that happen when teeth go missing that only grow worse with time. If you have missing teeth and are worried you’ve waited too long to replace them, keep reading to learn about what you can do.
How Does Tooth Loss Impact Me?
Losing our permanent teeth can affect us in ways you might not be aware of. While you probably noticed that you have had a harder time forming certain sounds or eating certain foods, there are other negative impacts of leaving a hole where your tooth used to be, too.
For example, did you know that our teeth actually stimulate the jawbone? The force created by chewing stimulates growth that keeps the jaw strong and healthy. When a gap is left behind after a tooth falls out, the body begins to reabsorb the surrounding bone mass because there’s nothing there keeping it active. This can lead to other concerns like changes to your facial structure, or sagging skin, as your cheekbones appear more hollow or sunken. Not only that, but you also could develop headaches or other issues like TMJ (temporomandibular disorder).
Have I Waited Too Long To Get An Implant?
How long is too long to wait before you get a dental implant? To avoid the potential pitfalls that come with lost teeth, it’s best to get an implant as soon as you can. If you replace your tooth right away, the jawbone is likely still strong enough to support an implant successfully.
Even if it’s been a while since you lost your tooth, there are still options. The longer you wait, however, the more complex the solutions become. If it has been missing for months or years, the jawbone has already begun to deteriorate and might require grafting. This involves donating bone or blood to the impacted area to stimulate growth over several months. Once the jawbone is bulked back up, then dental implants can be considered.
If you’ve already waited quite some time before considering replacements, there is still hope! You and your dentist can work together to find treatment options for restoration. Don’t put it off any longer! Make an appointment so that you can get back to enjoying all the benefits of a happy, healthy smile.
About the Practice
At D&G Dental of West Orange, patients can receive comprehensive dental healthcare services using all-digital dental technology. Their team of dentists includes two general dentists and a certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, so they are fully qualified to handle all of your oral health needs including dental implants. If you have missing teeth and want to learn more about dental implants, you are welcome to reach out to the office on the website or by calling (973) 731-2200.