Maybe you’ve been missing a tooth for five years. Or maybe it’s been twenty.
Maybe you lost it when you were younger and simply got used to the space.
Then one day you start wondering:
“Is it too late for an implant?”
Usually, the answer isn’t determined by how many years the tooth has been missing, but time certainly can change the situation.
What Happens to the Jaw After a Tooth Is Lost?
When a tooth is removed, the bone that used to surround its root no longer has the same job.
The jawbone gradually remodels, and the shape of the ridge can change. This tends to be the most noticeable earlier on after tooth loss, but the changes generally continue over time.
This is one reason a person who has been missing a tooth for many years may have less bone available for an implant than they would have had immediately after the tooth was removed.
However, it’s important to realize this doesn’t automatically mean an implant is impossible.
Bone Loss Doesn't Necessarily Rule Out an Implant
This is an important distinction.
Even if you do not have enough bone right now, an implant may still be possible.
Depending on the location and the amount of bone available, additional procedures may sometimes be used to create a better foundation for implant placement.
That being said, your dentist will need to evaluate the actual anatomy before making that determination.
What About the Teeth Around the Missing Tooth?
The empty space isn’t necessarily the only thing that likely has changed.
Over the years, neighboring teeth can shift, and the surrounding teeth can move into the space.
Along with these shifts, your bite, gums and bone around the area may have changed as well.
And if the tooth was lost because of gum disease, the health of the surrounding tissues needs to be considered when determining whether a dental implant is truly a good option for you.
This is why an implant consultation isn’t simply, “Do I have enough bone?”
How Do We Know What's Possible?
For all dental implant cases, regardless of how long the tooth or teeth have been missing, we use 3D CBCT x-rays so we have a full, detailed picture of the available bone and important surrounding anatomy.
With a 3D x-ray, your dentist can determine whether the implant can be placed as-is or whether additional preparation is needed.
Does It Matter Which Tooth Is Missing?
Absolutely.
A missing front tooth and a missing back molar create completely different scenarios.
For example, the front of the mouth brings significant aesthetic considerations that you would want a dentist skilled not only in implantology, but also in cosmetic dentistry, to facilitate.
Your back teeth deal with substantial chewing forces, and these also require a comprehensive understanding bite forces to ensure the long-term success of your implant.
Regardless of which particular tooth is missing, the location of the implant, available bone, gum tissue, bite and final restoration all need to work together for the best possible outcome.
Is There a Point Where It's Too Late?
There isn’t a simple number of years at which an implant automatically becomes impossible.
Someone who lost a tooth 15 years ago may have a straightforward implant case, while someone who lost a tooth last year may have significant bone loss.
Ultimately, it’s the condition of the site that matters more than the actual calendar time that has passed.
The Bottom Line — Dr. Kakaris Porter's Take
If you’ve been missing a tooth for years, don’t assume you’ve missed your opportunity.
At the same time… Don’t assume an implant will be straightforward simply because someone else you know had one. This is a surgical procedure, and with all of dentistry it also relies on your biology.
The only useful way to answer whether you can get dental implants years after losing your teeth is to look at your bone, your gums, your neighboring teeth, your bite and your goals.
Sometimes the site is ready for an implant, other times it needs preparation first. And sometimes another replacement option makes more sense.
The fact that you’ve waited doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthwhile question to ask.
Thanks for reading,
Dr. Alexander Kakaris Porter, DDS
Fellow of the International Congress of Implantology
Dr. Alexander Kakaris Porter believes that great dentistry starts with knowing you can trust your dentist. He combines advanced dental care with no-pressure recommendations, so patients know they’re in great hands.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you want an honest second opinion from dentists that have your best interest in mind, Dr. Arestea Kakaris and Dr. Alexander Kakaris Porter are ready when you are.
Call today to schedule your consultation (734) 676-1656.