Yes, you can still get dental implants even if you’ve had missing teeth for several years! Although your bone density begins to decrease when your tooth’s roots are no longer there to stimulate it and keep it healthy, this is a slow process.
And if you need additional bone density to support your implant, a bone graft or sinus lift procedure could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
The Negative Effects of Missing Teeth
Even though you can likely get a dental implant even years after losing your tooth, missing teeth can affect your oral health.
Here’s how:
- Jawbone shrinkage — Once you lose a tooth, your body begins to resorb the jawbone tissue, making it smaller.
- Shifting teeth — When you have a gap in your smile, your other teeth may begin to drift into the space where your tooth once was, causing alignment issues.
- Sinus expansion — If you’re missing your upper back teeth, your sinus cavity could drop down into that area.
Looking for a Dentist in Columbia, MD?
If you’d like to learn more about the dental implant process, our experienced team will happily assist you! At Pineview Dental, our goal is to help every patient achieve a happy, healthy smile they can proudly show others.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please contact our office at (410) 730-3311.