When Is It the Right Time to Get Dental Implants?

Losing a tooth can significantly impact your life. You may become self-conscious about your smile and this can lower your self-esteem. Also, enjoying a meal could become more of a duty than pleasure since you will have to find new ways to chew your food. Thankfully, nowadays there are many options for filling the gaps in your smile, from partial dentures to dental implants. These are more and more common every day. This article will answer any questions you may have about dental implants, but make sure to visit a dental clinic near you to get professional recommendations based on your specific case.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a type of tooth replacement that features a screw that blends into your jaw, an abutment, and a titanium crown that serves as your new tooth. You won't feel the difference between your implants and your natural teeth. They are very durable and with good care, they can last a lifetime. Unlike removable dentures, they won't harm your gums or jaw. Quite the opposite since they stimulate bone growth, which dentures don't. Getting dental implants can drastically change your life. Your smile will be complete again, and you will be able to smile without feeling self-conscious. You will be able to enjoy your favourite meals again and not worry about chewing. The implants will sit securely on your gums and you will regain your confidence.

Is there an age limit for dental implants?

Yes. Dental implants should only be inserted after the jaw has developed completely. This happens after 17 years of age in boys and 15 years of age in girls. Using them before this time can be detrimental. However, in some cases, younger children lose teeth for multiple reasons and there are other options for them, such as braces. If you want to get dental implants in Saskatoon, visit your dentist's office to confirm that your jaw has developed completely and that you are old enough to get them.

When should you get them?

The moment a tooth falls out or is extracted, the gum, jawbone, and tissues that lay beneath it start to deteriorate and sink. Thus, some dentists say that dental implants should be inserted as quickly as possible to preserve the jawbone beneath it and ensure good results. Sometimes, you may need to wait some time for your gums to heal after tooth extraction and before getting dental implants. A dentist in Saskatoon can assess your situation and determine when is the best time to get them after the extraction has been made.

Some studies have proven that you can wait up to six months after a tooth extraction to place new dental implants. This has certain specific indications. For example, if the empty socket was infected or had a disease, then it may be a better option to wait for a couple of more months for it to heal completely before placing the implants. This will guarantee that there will be a healthy gum and jawbone for the implant to latch on to.

However, every case is different and if you are looking for dental implants near you, then it is important to get assessed by a professional. This way, you will get specific recommendations for your case. This is particularly important because sometimes, waiting too long after an extraction can result in the deterioration of the gums and jawbone that ends up being so severe that they won't be able to harbour dental implants. In this case, a bone graft surgery may be required in order for the implants to latch on without an issue.