A missing tooth doesn’t always feel urgent until it starts affecting how you chew, speak or even smile.
It’s easy to put off a missing tooth for many years and then think it’s too late to do anything about it. The question we get most often is whether it’s too late for dental implants in Riverpark.
The answer is yes, often they are. But it might not be as straightforward as the situation may have evolved.
What Happens When a Tooth Is Missing for Years
When a tooth is missing, there’s no longer stimulation to the underlying bone.
This is usually provided by chewing. This can cause the bone to shrink. This is known as bone resorption.
This can cause-
- Reduced bone height and width.
- Changes in facial structure.
- Shifting of nearby teeth.
These changes are evident in patients who are considering dental implants in Riverpark after having a missing tooth for several years, even if they didn’t notice at first.
Why Bone Loss Matters for Dental Implants
Bone is crucial for dental implants.
The implant is essentially a root, and it requires sufficient bone to anchor it in place. If the bone is too thin or porous, the implant procedure can be complicated.
This is why bone loss is an important factor in considering dental implants in Riverpark. It may not stop treatment outright but it will affect treatment planning.
Can You Still Get Dental Implants in Riverpark After Bone Loss?
In many cases, yes.
While bone loss is common, we can rebuild the bone or find a way to adapt to it. The trick is to assess how much bone is lost and what to do about it.
Many patients assume that they can’t have dental implants in Riverpark because the tooth has been gone too long. But when they’re assessed they often have treatment options.
What Is Bone Grafting (And When Is It Needed)?
A common way of dealing with bone loss is by bone grafting.
It’s used to add bone to the area where bone is missing, and new bone will grow over time. This results in a more stable implant.
A bone graft may be used if-
- There’s not enough bone thickness to support an implant.
- There isn’t enough height for stability.
- It couldn’t last otherwise.
For many patients looking for dental implants in Riverpark, bone grafting can be the difference between having implants and not.
Alternative Options If Bone Loss Is Significant
Sometimes, bone loss is severe. In these cases, there are other options. These may include-
- Alternative implant placement methods that use existing bone.
- Implant placement at different angles.
- Other types of restorations if needed.
While not everyone may need these, it adds to the possibilities when considering dental implants in Riverpark.
How Long Does the Process Take?
A major difference following long-term tooth loss is time.
When no bone graft is required, the process can be fairly rapid. However if a bone graft is needed, there will be a waiting period before the implant can be placed.
In summary, the time frame can be-
- Initial evaluation and planning.
- Bone graft healing (if needed).
- Implant placement and integration.
How Clove Dental Riverpark Approaches Dental Implants in Riverpark?
At Clove Dental Riverpark, we prioritise creating a treatment plan for patients.
Our approach includes-
- Thorough scans for bone evaluation.
- Determining if grafting is needed.
- Determining where to place implants for stability.
When Riverpark patients ask about dental implants, we don’t take a “one size fits all” approach. We decide what will produce the best and most predictable outcome.
Conclusion
It is not true that if you would have had an implant years ago you can’t have one now.
Some bone loss can make restoration more challenging, but thanks to advances in technology it’s often possible to rebuild function and anatomy. It just depends on assessment and planning.
If you’ve been putting off treatment, knowing your options for dental implants in Riverpark can help you decide what’s best for you: grafting, other techniques, or a simple implant.