Losing a tooth can affect your oral health right away. Not replacing a missing tooth may lead to other issues like jaw problems, facial sagging, or bone loss. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Virginia Beach, VA, it’s usually best to act soon.
Waiting can sometimes make it harder for the implant to work well. While you might still be able to get an implant after some time, the success rate is often higher when treatment happens soon after tooth loss. If an implant isn’t possible right away, there may be temporary options to consider.
Best Time to Get Dental Implants
Ideally, you should plan to get a dental implant soon after losing a tooth. If you know you’ll be having a tooth removed, your dentist might suggest scheduling the implant placement right after the extraction. If you lose a tooth unexpectedly, you may still be able to get an implant without much delay. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’ll need extra steps before the dentist can place the implant.
After losing a tooth, bone density can decrease over time. If too much bone is lost, a bone graft might be necessary to provide enough support for the implant. Shifting teeth can also complicate implant placement, and in some cases, orthodontic treatment may be required first. Acting quickly helps lower the risk of needing extra treatments.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long
Getting an implant soon after losing a tooth is best. Delaying treatment can lead to bone loss, teeth shifting, and a higher chance of decay or gum disease. Each person’s experience is unique—some people may go for years without much bone loss, while others may see changes in just a few weeks. For the best chance of implant success, aiming for placement within a month of losing a tooth is often ideal.
Temporary Solutions While Waiting
If you can’t get a dental implant right away due to health or budget concerns, there are temporary options to consider. Leaving a missing tooth untreated can lead to more problems, so it’s better to choose a temporary replacement to keep your teeth and gums protected.
A partial denture, for example, can keep your teeth in place and keep your gums healthy while you wait for implant surgery. If you’ll eventually need an implant-supported bridge, using a partial denture can help prevent teeth from moving out of place. Your dentist can suggest the best temporary treatment to fit your needs.
Schedule Your Consultation Now
If you’re dealing with tooth loss, a dental implant can help restore your jaw strength and improve bite stability. At Coastal Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we’re here to help you through every step, making sure your treatment goes smoothly. Call us today at 757-656-6368 to schedule a consultation and start your implant process as soon as possible.