Dental Implants year after Extraction?
Has it been so long since your extraction that you cannot remember when it happened? Thats okay! It takes time for jaws and gums to heal after extraction. The bigger concern is how you have taken care of your mouth in the meantime, and whether or not your other teeth have become misaligned accounting for the gap.
What happens when you live with missing teeth?
When you spend a prolonged time with gaps in your smile, there are several complications you must watch for.
- Infection: Neglecting to replace missing teeth leaves gum surface areas with exposed centers. These areas of gum tissue are more susceptible to infections caused by food and plaque buildup. It also makes your other teeth more susceptible to infections cause by the same buildups. People who are living with missing teeth need to be fastidious in their dental health and hygiene.
- Problems with your other teeth: The otherwise healthy teeth in your mouth can move and adjust due to the missing teeth. The jaw adjusts to account for a balanced biting force, which can cause pain in your jaw and headaches. Depending on how long you have had missing teeth, you may need to seek adjustments for your existing teeth before you can fix the original tooth replacement.
- Jaw and Bone structure: Living with missing teeth can mess with the ergonomics of your jaw for chewing, smiling, and speaking. The longer you have lived with it, the more severe te problem may be. In some cases the jaw and bone structure is reduced and can actually change shape. Dental Implants especially require bone density and structure to anchor the implants, so make sure you have a dentist take x rays and review them.
The Dental Implant Process
First you begin by consulting a dentist and dental care team. They can make decision on your eligibility for dental implants. If your jaw or bone structure are in question, bone grafts may be required to strengthen your jaw first. This process can take months to heal, and will be painful. After the dentist feels confident in your jaw strength and structure, they can insert the anchor. The Dental Anchor is inserted into your jaw through your gumline. This anchor will most likely be made of titanium, an incredibly strong metal, and will also take a couple months on average to heal. The healing process is known as osseointegration, and your jaw and gums will accept the implant anchor. Once the anchor is set and secure a healing cap or abutment may be attached, this piece allow the crown of the implant to be affixed. Your Implant crown can be crafted with various materials for different purposes; like strength, durability, appearance, longevity, or hygiene. Your implant can be cared for just like your regular teeth, and you should practice all aspects of dental hygiene.
How can you get started?
You can start the process of dental implants years after extraction by talking to your dental care team immediately. Consultations are often free, and could be done at your next checkup. Speak with someone soon and begin the conversation soon. Some time of discomfort will pay off dividends when you get peace of mind in your health and smile.