Can You Get a Dental Implant Years After Losing a Tooth?
October 23, 2025 9:00 amMaybe you lost a tooth years ago and never replaced it. Life got busy, the gap didn’t bother you much, and now you’re wondering — is it too late for a dental implant? The good news: in many cases, it’s not. With today’s dental technology and careful planning, implants can often restore a healthy, complete smile even long after a tooth has been lost.
At Main Street Dental in Bentonville, Dr. Grayson Dillingham and Dr. Joshua Brudi frequently help patients who thought their window for dental implants had passed. Here’s what to know about getting an implant years later — and how to find out if it’s the right option for you.
Why Time Matters After Tooth Loss
When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area no longer receives the natural stimulation that chewing provides. Over time, that bone can shrink or thin — a process called bone resorption. The longer the gap remains, the more bone may be lost, which can make placing an implant more challenging.
But bone isn’t the only thing that changes. Neighboring teeth can slowly drift into the empty space, and the opposing tooth (the one that used to bite against it) can start to over-erupt, moving out of alignment. This can affect your bite, make cleaning harder, and even lead to uneven wear on surrounding teeth.
That said, it’s rarely a lost cause. In many cases, a bone graft and careful treatment planning can rebuild the area and create the right foundation for a successful implant — even years later.
The Dental Implant Process (Even Years Later)
If it’s been a while since you lost your tooth, your dentist will begin with a comprehensive exam and 3D imaging to assess your bone health and gum condition. If the site needs reinforcement, a bone graft is placed and allowed to heal over a few months.
Once healed, a titanium implant post is carefully inserted into the jawbone, where it integrates naturally. After the bone has fused to the implant, a custom crown is attached — blending in seamlessly with your other teeth.
Benefits of Replacing an Old Gap
Even if you’ve adapted to living with a missing tooth, replacing it offers long-term benefits:
- Prevents neighboring teeth from drifting or tilting
- Restores your ability to chew comfortably and evenly
- Helps maintain facial shape and bone density
- Boosts confidence in your smile
Explore Dental Implants at Main Street Dental in Bentonville
Whether your tooth was lost last month or ten years ago, it’s worth exploring your implant options. At Main Street Dental, Dr. Dillingham and Dr. Brudi will take time to assess your smile, discuss bone grafting if needed, and design a plan that restores both function and appearance.
Schedule a consultation today — your best smile might still be just one implant away.
Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
Categorised in: Dental Implants
