Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance—they can also influence your oral health, speech, diet, and confidence. If you’ve gone several years without replacing a lost tooth, you may worry that it’s too late to get dental implants. The good news? Many patients discover they’re still excellent candidates even after significant time has passed.
Here’s what you should know about long-term tooth loss and your implant options.
Why Timing Matters with Dental Implants
Dental implants rely on a strong, healthy jawbone for support. After a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink—a process called resorption. Without the stimulation provided by a tooth root, the bone can lose up to 25 percent of its density within the first year and continue diminishing over time.
This bone loss is the main reason dentists encourage patients to replace missing teeth sooner rather than later. The longer the tooth has been absent, the more bone volume you may lose. However, this doesn’t automatically disqualify you from implants. It simply means you may require additional steps before placement.
What Happens If You’ve Been Missing Teeth for Years?
If you’ve had gaps in your smile for several years, several changes may have occurred, including shifting teeth, altered bite alignment, and more advanced bone loss. These issues can make implant placement more complex but not impossible.
Your dentist will begin with a thorough examination and imaging to evaluate your jawbone. Even if density has decreased, many patients are still good candidates with the help of supplemental procedures. The idea that you can “wait too long” is often more of a misconception than a reality—although waiting does typically mean more preparation may be needed.
Bone Grafting: A Common Solution
Bone grafting can rebuild and strengthen areas of the jaw where bone has deteriorated. This routine procedure adds new bone tissue, which eventually fuses with your natural bone. While grafting does extend the treatment timeline, it opens the door for many patients who thought implants were no longer an option.
Some patients may also benefit from sinus lifts or ridge expansions depending on the location of the missing teeth. Advances in modern dentistry have made it easier than ever to restore your smile even after significant bone changes.
Are There Alternatives If Implants Aren’t an Immediate Fit?
If your jawbone isn’t ready for implants right away, your dentist may recommend temporary solutions such as partial dentures or bridges. These can restore function and protect your remaining teeth while you complete bone grafting or other preparatory procedures.
In rare cases where implants truly aren’t an option, your dentist will help you create a long-term treatment plan that meets your functional and aesthetic goals. But many patients who assume they’ve “waited too long” are pleasantly surprised by the options available to them.
The Bottom Line
Even if it has been years since you lost a tooth, you may still be an excellent candidate for dental implants.
A restored smile may be more achievable than you think.
About the Practice
Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry of Rockhill provides comprehensive restorative and implant dentistry to help patients regain strong, confident smiles. Dr. Ross and Dr. Sourlis, along with our experienced dental team, offer personalized care, state-of-the-art technology, and solutions for missing teeth, including dental implants and preparatory procedures when needed.
Call us at (803) 324-5301 or request an appointment online.