Dental Implant Years After Extraction?
After you have had a tooth extracted it is best if you consider a dental implant sooner versus later. Even if you delay several years there is still a possibility of getting a dental implant, but the hurdle will be the density and integrity of your jawbone for successful placement.
You found yourself dealing with a smile that you are not happy with because of your missing tooth. It has been years since your tooth was extracted. The common options for replacing a missing tooth have been either a dental bridge or a partial denture. Neither of these options have reliable long-term life expectancies without needing repairs or replacement. It is also possible that your teeth have drifted ever so slightly into the vacant spot. With the dental technology available today you may still be able to have a durable and natural like restoration with a dental implant. If you have good oral health, you still have a chance to receive a dental implant. There may be a few additional procedures needed for a successful solution.
How Does the Dental Implant Function?
A dental implant is made up of three components, the post, an abutment, and the crown restoration, that all mimic the function of a natural tooth. Surgically positioned in your jawbone below the gums, a dental implant functions as a secure and stable platform onto which artificial tooth can be mounted.
* The Implant Post- Looking like a tiny screw, the implant post is embedded through your gumline into the jawbone to function just like a natural tooth root. The implant post is usually made of a biocompatible material, most often titanium, so that it fuses and bonds with the bone.
* The Abutment- This component is placed on the post after the post has bonded with the jawbone, extending the connection from the top of the implant post to the surface of the gumline for the final artificial tooth.
* The Dental Restoration- This is a dental crown, a dental bridge, an overdenture, or a full arch of teeth to simulate the natural aesthetics and complete functionality of your mouth.
The Effect of a Missing Tooth
After a tooth is extracted, your jawbone will, over time, atrophy in the immediate area where the tooth was due to the lack of pressure stimulation missing from the tooth root. Inside of a year you could lose 25% of bone density and integrity in the specific area. There are procedures available to still deliver healthy results to achieve your goal.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
With a natural tooth missing, by way of extraction or trauma, that tooth root is no longer stimulating the jawbone. In the absence of an active tooth root, the bone will eventually begin to atrophy. If the bone density decline is substantial in the area, it could affect your dental implant possibilities. Dental implants require a healthy jawbone to be placed successfully, but even if the bone tissue has indeed shrunk, a bone graft can be an option to restore it.
Your doctor will surgically place the grafting material next to your jawbone in the affected area. With some natural healing time the graft will fuse to the jawbone yielding the integrity you need for a successful dental implant. Having the proper amount of bone mass also ensures better aesthetics as the natural gumline will be at the same height as the surrounding teeth.