Can I Wait to Get a Dental Implant?

When you lose a tooth, it’s natural to wonder if immediate replacement is necessary or if you can delay treatment. While dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, many patients question whether they can postpone the procedure.

The Impact of Waiting

The ideal timing for dental implants generally depends on your individual situation, but there are important considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to wait:

Bone Preservation

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported it begins to deteriorate through a process called resorption. This can happen surprisingly quickly—within the first year after tooth loss, you may lose up to 25% of the bone width in that area. Dental implants help stimulate the jawbone just as natural tooth roots do, preventing this bone loss.

Shifting of Adjacent Teeth

Nature abhors a vacuum, and your mouth is no exception. When a gap is left by a missing tooth, the adjacent teeth naturally begin to drift into the empty space. This shifting can cause misalignment of your bite, difficulty with chewing, and even create new spaces between other teeth. The longer you wait for an implant, the more likely these changes will occur, potentially complicating future treatment.

Facial Appearance

Bone loss in the jaw can lead to changes in your facial structure and appearance over time. The lower third of your face may begin to collapse inward, making you appear older than you are. Dental implants help maintain the natural contours of your face by preserving bone structure.

Planning Around Your Schedule

Many patients worry about the recovery time associated with dental implant surgery and how it might impact their work and daily responsibilities. While some time off is typically required, we can work with you to schedule your procedure around existing holidays or long weekends to minimise disruption.

With Easter approaching soon—providing a four-day weekend for many Australians—this could be the perfect opportunity to schedule your implant procedure. The extended break allows for initial recovery time without using additional leave from work.

Our practice is open seven days a week with extended hours, making it easier to schedule both your procedure and follow-up appointments at times convenient for you.

The Implant Timeline

It’s worth noting that the dental implant process typically occurs in stages:

1. Initial placement of the implant post
2. Healing period (osseointegration)
3. Placement of the final crown or restoration

While the complete process may take several months, the surgical portion requiring the most recovery time is the initial placement. Many patients find they can return to work within a few days, depending on the complexity of their case and their individual healing.