Dental Implants Years after Extraction
Can You Get a Dental Implant Years After a Tooth Extraction?
If you have had a tooth extracted, you may be interested in a tooth replacement treatment. Fortunately, there are a many treatment options available to replace a missing or extracted tooth. Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement treatments among adults in the United States. But, what if you had your tooth extracted years ago? You may be wondering if you are still able to get a dental implant. Below is more information on dental implant treatment to help you decide if an implant is the right treatment for you.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a metal or ceramic post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. The implant is designed to replace the root of the missing tooth. After the implant installation, a period of time is required to allow for the gums and bone to heal. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, the dentist will attach the artificial crown on top of it. The new dental implant will restore the appearance of the smile and the function of the tooth.
How Do I Know if I’m eligible for Dental Implant Treatment?
The biggest factor to consider in determining eligibility for implant treatment is the health of the person receiving the treatment. Both oral health and overall health are critical factors that can determine the success or failure of the implant treatment. For example, gum disease, if not carefully treated, can cause the dental implant process to fail. Whether or not you’ve waited a long time after having your teeth extracted is not a factor that will prevent you from being eligible for dental implants. It doesn’t matter if 3, 5, 10 or any number of years have passed, you can still get dental implant treatment. What is more important than the number of years since your extraction is the health and density of your bone. The health of the jawbone is critical to the future success of the dental implant.
Other Factors to Consider With Dental Implant Treatment
There are some additional factors you should consider before committing to dental implant treatment, including:
* Experience and skill of provider: Before committing to dental implant treatment you should do research and make sure your provider has the training and expertise necessary to perform the treatment. Regardless of if your provider is a general dentist or specialist, it is important they are skilled and experienced.
* Costs: It is important to discuss with your provider the estimated treatment costs. The implant treatment is a large investment; a larger investment than many of the alternative treatments. However, once the treatment is complete your new tooth is permanent and requires the same brushing and flossing of a natural tooth.
* Insurance coverage: Many insurance companies do not cover the dental implant treatment costs. If your insurance will not cover the implant treatment you will want to have a plan for covering the estimated costs prior to starting the treatment.