It's not uncommon for people to suffer from an oral health problem due to either eating habits, oral hygiene, or genetics. One of the best ways to deal with severe dental problems is by investing in a dental implant placement. This is especially important if you've lost one or more teeth in your life.
However, not everyone gets a dental implant as soon as they need it. It's especially common for lower-income households to put off implantation due to financial reasons.
Here's what you should know about implant dentistry and why the timing matters.
Dental Implant Placement Timing
When you first get a tooth removed, your dentist will let you know about your options. You can get something like a bridge to help fill in a gap, but that requires grinding down the neighboring teeth to fit it. There's also the option of getting dentures if you have multiple teeth missing.
Your best option will always be an implant, though. A good dental implant can last upwards of thirty years. It also functions just as well, if not better, than your real teeth.
The only problem is when you get your implant. Waiting too long can have consequences and affect the kind of dental implant you can get. However, not everyone can afford to get a dental implant or has the insurance to cover the procedure.
In addition, there are certain changes you'll need to make regarding your oral hygiene to take care of your new implant. This includes using a softer brush, avoiding abrasive products, and being careful after the implantation procedure.
Benefits of an Immediate Implant
If you want to improve the success rate of your implant, you may want to consider getting one as soon as possible. An immediate implant means getting new teeth as soon as one or more are pulled. While it may be considered riskier, it does allow you to save time and money.
First of all, getting an immediate implant means avoiding multiple treatments later on. Your dentist won't have to worry about decreased jawbone or how they'll anchor the new tooth.
Secondly, there's a shorter treatment time. You'll get your implants in a single day and be able to walk out with a full set of teeth. You won't need to worry about going to work with missing teeth until your mouth heals from your prior procedure.
Finally, an immediate implant is a cost-effective way to replace your missing teeth. Normally, you'd have to wait upwards of ten weeks after a tooth is pulled before an implant dentist will put in the replacement. This means more appointments and procedures to pay for.
Considerations of an Immediate Implant
Getting an immediate implant is not without its own set of risks, however. It's not the right option for everyone, and it may not even be on the table for some patients.
To begin with, the average cost of a dental implant is about $4,800. How much a person pays can vary widely depending on the procedure, the type of implant, and how many implants they're getting. Not everyone can afford to get the procedure as soon as possible, even if it would save them money in the long run.
On top of that, an immediate implant actually has a slightly lower success rate than traditional ones. The extraction site may be damaged, which will affect how well the implantation works. Your gums are also going to be much more sensitive and irritated during this time.
Regardless, it's something you'll want to discuss with your dentist before getting one or more teeth pulled.
Benefits of Delayed Implant
A delayed implantation is when your mouth is given time to heal after an extraction. It can also refer to an implantation that happens years after a tooth is removed, which may be the case for lower-income individuals.
The main benefit of delayed implantation is that it provides a stronger foundation for the new tooth. Whatever trauma your previous tooth had gone through has since healed, which means the new one has a higher success rate. It's also a much more common procedure.
In addition, getting an immediate implant could be well out of someone's current means. Most people don't plan to get their teeth pulled, so it makes sense that they also wouldn't have money set aside to replace them.
Since this is the most common type of implantation available, you'll also find more dentists willing to do it. They may not recommend an immediate implantation due to the risks. Your insurance may not cover the procedure or have other requirements before you can get coverage.
Dangers of a Delayed Implant
There are a couple of problems with getting a delayed implant. While it's generally recommended at any dental office, there is a time limit on how long you can wait before you get your implant.
Jawbone deterioration can happen as soon as the first two months after a tooth extraction. Your jawbone naturally stays strong due to the pressure and motion of chewing. With a tooth missing, the bone naturally weakens due to lack of exposure to that continuous pressure.
If your jawbone deteriorates too much, then you may need to get a bone graft to stimulate new growth. This will require additional procedures and another few months of waiting before you can get the implant.
You may end up delaying your implantation by up to a year depending on what happens. Luckily, there are some ways to stabilize and support your surrounding teeth while you wait.
A dental flipper fits much like a retainer and is easy to wear and clean. You can also eat and drink with it in place.
Get Your Customized Dental Care Solution
Dental implant placement timing will vary from patient to patient depending on their needs and desires. Not every person will be a good fit for an immediate implantation. Others can get the procedure done as soon as possible.
Complete Dental Works can help you obtain the beautiful smile you desire at whatever pace you're comfortable with. Our services cover general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency dental care. Book an appointment today so we can help you smile brighter.