If you’ve dealt with tooth loss for years, you likely know about dental implants. These prosthetic teeth look and act just like your natural ones. Even so, you may think you don’t qualify for them. You could easily assume that too much time has passed for treatment to work. Well, your Merrillville dentist is here to say otherwise. That’s right – it’s never too late to get dental implants! If you’d like to learn why, simply read over the helpful summary below.
Context: Tooth Loss Erodes Your Jaw
Typically, it’s best to get a dental implant soon after losing a tooth. Doing so avoids the hassle of bone loss in your jaw.
You see, tooth loss weakens your jawbone. All your teeth work to preserve your jaw’s bone tissue. When even a few go missing, this tissue starts to erode. That erosion can then lead to facial collapse – a condition where the face sags and forms a shriveled look.
If your jawbone is too weak, you can’t get dental implants. These metal posts won’t have the support needed to remain stable. Instead, they’ll fail soon after placement and fall out of your mouth.
It’s Never too Late for Dental Implants
Despite the above, it’s never too late for dental implants. The treatment can still work even if you’ve lacked teeth for years. You’d simply need to get a dental bone graft first.
In essence, a dental bone graft is a unique oral surgery. It adds volume and density to your jawbone by “grafting” in new material. Once the grafted bone is placed, it holds space for your body to do repair work. New bone tissue can thus grow and regenerate the area.
After you recover from the bone graft, your jaw should be nice and strong. It’ll then be ready for a dental implant treatment.
Why Switch to Dental Implants Now?
While a bone graft may seem invasive, it’d be a worthwhile procedure. The dental implants you could get afterward have benefits like:
- A High Success Rate – Today, dental implants have a ten-year success rate above 95%!
- Lifelike Smile – Since they’re capped with porcelain, dental implants blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Young Looks – Dental implants stimulate your jawbone, ensuring your face stays full and vibrant.
- Easier Eating– Because dental implants restore your bite force, they’ll let you chew tough foods.
- Long-Lasting Results – Dental implants can last twenty years or more with proper care.
Ultimately, you’re never too late to get dental implants. Visit your dental provider soon and talk to them about treatment.
About the Practice
United Dental Centers is based in Merrillville, IN. Led by Drs. David and Kenneth Fried, our practice focuses on truly customized dental care. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency oral treatments. Our dental team also performs dental implant placement that can fully restore your smile. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (703)-241-5775.