Not replacing a missing tooth right away can lead to issues such as:
Most patients are candidates for dental implants. The main factor in considering whether you are a good candidate is the amount of bone you have remaining after the tooth is gone. The longer you wait, the more the bone will absorb making it more difficult to replace the missing tooth
It varies based on patient’s medical history, bone density, and complexity of the case. On average it can take anywhere from four to six months for the implant to integrate into the bone. After the implant is integrated, it can take up to 3-4 weeks to get your final tooth placed onto the implant.
The idea of pain after an implant weighs heavy on most patient’s mind. The good news is we find most patients have minimal pain after implant surgery! Patients are completely numb during the procedure where they do not feel anything, and we typically prescribe medications to help make the first 48-72 hours conformable for patients.
We tell our patients to treat your new implant tooth just like any other tooth you have in your mouth. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Make sure to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings.
Dental implants have a very high success rate and can last up to decades as long as you are staying up to date with your oral hygiene.