Why the Ideal Time to Get Dental Implants Is at the Time of Tooth Loss

If you’re considering getting dental implants, you probably know that they are today’s golden standard for replacing missing teeth because they function and feel like natural teeth while being low maintenance and long-lasting.

But when should you have this procedure done? How important is it to schedule a dental implant appointment right away? It’s important to understand that time is of the essence, and here’s why…

Replacing Missing Teeth Right Away

It’s important to understand the extent to which your teeth and jaw depend on each other. Your jaw supports your teeth, and the movement of your teeth stimulates your jaw. When one of your teeth goes missing, your body naturally begins to break down the jawbone because it is no longer needed. Simply put, your body considers your jawbone to be surplus material and uses its nutrients elsewhere when there is no teeth to support it. In the same way, the stimulation provided by the tooth is what bulks up the jaw. Without it, the bone begins to deteriorate.

How Bone Loss Affects the Aging Process

Bone resorption is the name of the process in which your jaw breaks down once you’ve lost a tooth. First, there’s a reshaping of your jawbone. Next, when deterioration of the bony ridge sets in, the profile of our face is affected, causing a concave, shrinking effect that makes us look older.

Just like natural teeth, dental implants require support from your jawbone. Therefore, waiting to get an implant means less bone will then be available since the process of it breaking down begins immediately. So, the sooner you get an implant, the more ideal the mass of your jawbone is for implant placement.

When Waiting to Get Implants Is Necessary

There are exceptions to the rule when it comes to getting dental implants in place right away. Here’s when it’s best to wait…

Infection

The number one reason an implant can fail is infection. For a successful implant experience, wait until your infection has subsided before moving forward with implant placement. Infections affect your jaw no matter where they’re located—in your teeth or your gums—so it’s essential to clear up the infection first.

Significant Bone Loss

Thanks to bone grafting procedures, it’s never too late to get dental implants. Sooner is better, easier, and quicker, but we can graft in bone and bulk up your jaw, creating the most optimal conditions for a favorable outcome, if you’ve already waited. When you come in for a consultation, one of our doctors will evaluate your case and advise you on the best plan for treatment.

Wherever you are in the process, please call our Warren Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Warren, NJ to schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons today!