I Had Tooth #18 Extracted 20-25 Yrs Ago. Can I Now Have It Replaced with an Implant or is It Too Late?

Question

It was replace with a bridge when it was extracted (false tooth for #18 attached to a crown for #19) and now the crown on #19 has broken. I am in the process of having implants for #29 and 30. General dentist says to wait until 29 and 30 are done but did not tell me what my options were going to be.

Alina Krivitsky, DDS · Answer

One of the reasons your dentist is telling you to hold of is because they probably want to give you at least one functional chewing side on the right, before addressing the left side.  Even though you lost your tooth a long time ago, it doesn't necessarily mean you don't have enough bone for implant placement.  This greatly varies between individuals.  In order to establish whether you have sufficient bone or not, I would recommend taking a CT Scan (3D x-ray) and have it clinically evaluated by a Board Certified Periodontist.

	 

	Best,

	 

	Dr. Krivitsky

Neil Elman, DDS · Answer

Implants are excellent options to replace missing teeth. Check to make sure that there is enough bone to place the implant and that there is an opposing tooth to bite against. Ask your dentist if you can start the placement of the implant in the bone as it takes a few months until you can place the crown on it.

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

Yes you can it is never to late but for a fixed bridge or dental implant or removable bridge you need to make sure your teeth have not drifted and the dentist has enough room to replace the missing tooth good luck

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD      CEO Baystate Dental PC

Paul D. Kantor, DDS · Answer

It's not necessarily too late. The first question in doing implants is always to learn whether there is enough bone. To place a dental implant, you need enough of the right type of bone in the right location. X-rays and or a cone beam CT can determine if there is enough bone to place an implant. Even if you don't have enough bone, a surgeon can explain your options for bone grafting.

Gaurav K. Goel, MDS · Answer

You can easily get your missing tooth replaced with implant provided sufficient bone is available. The dentist would want to get a CBCT scan done to evaluate the bone and surrounding structures before suggesting the feasibility of dental implants.Thanks.

I Had Tooth #18 Extracted 20-25 Yrs Ago. Can I Now Have It Replaced with an Implant or is It Too Late?

Answers (10)

Answer: Could Replace Tooth 25 Years Later

Answer: Could Replace Tooth 25 Years Later

Answer: You can replace tooth with implants after 15 years.

Answer: You can replace tooth with implants after 15 years.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I Had Tooth #18 Extracted 20-25 Yrs Ago. Can I Now Have It Replaced with an Implant or is It Too Late?

Answers (10)

Answer: Could Replace Tooth 25 Years Later

Answer: Could Replace Tooth 25 Years Later

Answer: You can replace tooth with implants after 15 years.

Answer: You can replace tooth with implants after 15 years.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.