Though everyone’s circumstances differ, tooth loss is more common than you might think. Some people lose teeth young because of an injury or gum disease, while others experience tooth loss later in life due to decay or ageing.
If you’ve spent time considering a dental implant to fill the gap in your smile, you’ll be encouraged to learn that it’s rarely too late for dental implants. Even if it’s been years since your tooth was extracted.
In the following, we’ll walk through how long after tooth extraction you can get an implant and the implications of getting one later in your dental health care journey.
How Much Does Timing Matter With Dental Implants?
After a tooth is extracted (or falls out), the bone in the area begins to shrink over time in a process called ‘bone resorption’. This happens because when you’re missing a tooth, the jawbone is no longer stimulated by the movement and pressure that comes from chewing.
The more time that passes after an extraction, the higher the likelihood that more bone is lost. This is why dentists typically recommend having an implant placed shortly after extraction. However, there are no strict deadlines.
In most cases, dental implants can still be placed long after the tooth has come out. It often just takes a little more planning and preparation to ensure optimal oral health.
How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Have an Implant?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s often still possible to receive an implant, even years after an extraction, depending on the health of your jawbone. The various timelines for implant placement are defined by how long after extraction the implant placement occurs.
Immediate Implant Placement
In certain cases, an implant can be placed right away. It is considered immediate when placement takes place on the same day as (or within a few days of) the extraction.
Standard Implant Placement
In most cases, dentists recommend placing final abutments and crowns within 3–6 months of extraction, to allow for complete healing of the jawbone and surrounding gum tissue.
Delayed Implant Placement
When more than 6 months have passed since extraction, it is considered ‘delayed implant placement’. For some people, years can go by until they opt to receive a dental implant.
This approach is often possible. However, if it’s been a while, certain other interventions like the following might be advised in advance by your dentist:
What Happens When You Delay Replacing a Tooth?
More often than not, people’s mouths adapt to the gaps left by missing teeth. They don’t experience immediate issues because the gums and bones surrounding the space remain healthy.
However, issues can slowly develop as time goes on and become more pronounced after several years. These include:
- Shifting Teeth: Adjacent teeth may drift into the gap and affect your bite.
- Jawbone Deterioration: Without a tooth root to stimulate it, bone volume in the jaw decreases.
- Chewing Difficulties: Missing teeth can make it harder to chew certain foods comfortably.
- Facial Changes: Loss of jawbone structure can subtly alter your facial appearance.
If you are starting to feel the effects of the above, consult with your dentist.
Getting a Dental Implant 10 Years After Extraction
Many patients choose to delay getting dental implants treatment for a variety of reasons and reconsider their options when the timing feels right.
If you’re revisiting the idea of getting a dental implant, the first step you’ll take is attending a comprehensive dental exam with your dentist. They will assess your overall oral health and carry out X-rays to evaluate your jawbone’s condition to determine the feasibility of a dental implant procedure.
If bone loss has occurred, as it often does over a significant time period, a bone graft may be recommended to rebuild the area and support the implant. This is a common and effective way to prepare your mouth for a successful implant.
Health Conditions That May Impact Implant Eligibility
There are very few cases where dental implants are not advisable nor possible. The exceptions to the rule are in cases where there are other health concerns, like:
- Severe uncontrolled gum disease (periodontitis)
- Advanced osteoporosis or certain bone disorders
- Uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune conditions that impair healing
- Heavy smoking, which reduces blood flow to the implant site
- When taking certain medications that affect bone turnover
Even if you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s worthwhile to speak with your GP and dental healthcare team to see if there’s a tailored treatment plan that also mitigates your risk of complications.
It's (Probably) Not Too Late for Dental Implants
If you’ve spent months or years wondering whether it’s too late for dental implants, the answer is that it’s probably not. No matter how long it’s been, it’s likely that safe options are still available for you.
Dental implants are very long lasting and they offer a wealth of lifelong benefits, from enhancing the confidence of your smile to protecting your jawbone and restoring bite function. At any stage of life. If you’re considering a consultation, there’s no better time than the present.
Book Online with LPID
If you’ve been putting off dental implants, it’s not too late to explore your options. Our implant specialists in Marylebone are here to assess your case and guide you through the process.