Tooth loss is sometimes the unfortunate result of dental disease, injury, or aging. And if you’re in such a fix, you may consider dental implants to avert the downsides of leading your life without some of your pearly whites.
For a start, Pacific Dental & Implant Solutions is the best for dental implants Honolulu HI patients. The clinic’s experienced and skillful care providers are attuned to their client’s needs and offer individualized treatment plans. That aside, when should you get dental implants?
Although timing is critical, it’s not always a matter of springing for the procedure and getting it over with. As such, an ideal time for one patient may be unsuitable for another.
Generally, dentists advise patients to get their teeth examined and evaluated before deciding on dental implant surgery. That way, you can determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. The examination also helps rule out underlying health conditions that may contraindicate the procedure.
If a dentist deems you suitable for a dental implant, they can draw up a timeline to schedule the surgery and subsequent recovery period. The timeline may also depend on factors such as the number of implants needed, the type required, and the jawbone’s health – more on this below.
Recommended Timeline
As pointed out, the timeline could vary. That being said, some of the ideal times to have the implant surgery include:
- Immediately after tooth removal:If you undergo a tooth extraction, the implant may be placed soon afterward, provided the bone socket is intact. This way, you can maintain your jawbone’s health and shape while avoiding bone grafting surgery.
- Upon healing from disease or injury:The recovery period for illnesses and injuries is critical to the success of implant surgery. As such, dentists recommend that patients wait at least three months to rule out residual infections.
- After dental restorations:If you have undergone other treatments like root canals or crowns, your dentist may suggest waiting some time before getting implants. Usually, it takes time for these treatments to settle.
- Two months after tooth extraction:Your gum needs time to heal and settle after tooth extraction before implant placement. As such, the intervening period allows gum tissue to recover and prevents interference with implant surgery.
- Between four to six months after tooth removal:Waiting up to six months offers ample time for your bone to heal, leading to a stable and strong implant. In technical terms, it facilitates osseointegration – the process through which the bone fuses to the implant, creating a firm foundation for your new artificial tooth.
Time Isn’t Always On Your Side
While some circumstances may necessitate a longer wait, consider the effect on your jawbone and gums. Basically, once you lose a tooth, the gums sink, and the jawbone atrophies.
If this continues, you may require corrective periodontal surgery or bone grafting before considering implantation. As such, it’s advisable to schedule the implant procedure early on to avoid such complications.
Variables that Could Affect the Timing
As you’ve probably realized, the timeline for implants is mainly subjective. So, which considerations should you make before going through with it? Here’re a few:
- Overall health – are you in good health? Generally, some conditions, such as diabetes, necessitate extra care and management to ensure successful implantation. For instance, you may require treatment beforehand,
- Number and type of implant(s) – based on your level of tooth loss, your dentist may recommend one or more implants. Likewise, mini implants may suffice, depending on the situation. This could also imply spreading out treatment into several stages to avoid overloading your jaw.
- Jawbone condition – Usually, dental implantation requires a robust jawbone – to provide necessary support. Hence, you may need bone grafting before implantation if your jawbone isn’t strong enough or the bone density isn’t sufficient.
- Your budget – Unlike other treatments, dental implants can set you back quite a bit. Since the procedure is costly, it’s advisable to save the necessary funds before implantation – since most insurers regard the procedure as a cosmetic treatment and don’t cover it.
- Age– Although you can consider a dental implant at any age, the procedure is more suitable for younger patients. Why? The older you get, the more at risk you are for complications due to slower healing and reduced bone density. As such, it makes sense to get dental implants while you’re younger and in the prime of your health. If you’re older, consult with your dentist to determine your suitability for the procedure.
The ideal time to get a dental implant varies from patient to patient. As such, it pays to talk to your dentist for personalized guidance. Their insights can help safeguard your oral health and overall well-being.