Can You Get a Dental Implant Years After Losing a Tooth

Yes, you can often get dental implants after missing a tooth. Even after a decade or more, treatment may still be possible. Your eligibility depends on your jawbone, gums, and overall oral health. It may require extra planning if the area has changed over time.

Understanding these changes is the first step in determining whether an implant is right for you.

What Happens When a Tooth Has Been Missing for Years?

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone beneath it no longer receives the same stimulation from chewing. Over time, the bone in that area can shrink in height and width. This process, known as bone resorption, can affect whether enough bone remains to support a dental implant.

Bone changes can begin within the first few months after extraction. A systematic review of 20 human studies reported a 29% to 63% reduction in horizontal bone dimensions six to seven months after tooth extraction.

This range reflects the findings across the included studies, not the amount every patient will experience.

The longer a tooth has been missing, the more important it becomes to assess the condition of the site. However, the number of years alone cannot determine whether an implant is possible.

Other changes can occur around the gap:

• Nearby teeth may shift: Adjacent teeth can move towards the space, reducing the room available for an implant.

• The opposing tooth may move: A tooth in the opposite jaw may gradually extend further into the gap.

• Your bite may change: Shifting teeth can affect how your upper and lower teeth meet when you chew.

• The gum and bone shape may change: The area may become narrower or shallower, affecting implant planning.

These changes do not automatically rule out treatment. They help your dentist determine whether an implant can be placed as planned or whether additional preparation is needed.

For more information, read about what happens to the jawbone after tooth loss.

What Determines Whether You Can Get a Dental Implant?

There is no fixed time limit for getting an implant after losing a tooth. Your current oral health and the condition of the proposed implant site matter more than how long you have had the gap.

1. Jawbone density and volume

The dental implant requires adequate bone support. If there has been any bone loss, then your dentist would determine if there is enough bone to support the proposed implant.

Some patients have enough suitable bone despite years of tooth loss. Others may need bone grafting or a different treatment approach. Dental imaging helps your dentist evaluate the site's dimensions before deciding how to proceed.

2. Gum health

Healthy gums are important for implant treatment. Gum disease affects the tissues supporting natural teeth and is also relevant to the long-term health of dental implants.

A systematic review published in the Journal of Periodontal Research in 2025 found that patients with a history of periodontitis had a higher hazard of implant loss than those without that history (hazard ratio: 1.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.28–2.40).

This finding does not mean implant treatment is unsuitable for everyone who has had gum disease. It highlights the importance of assessing gum health and managing active disease before treatment.

Your dentist will examine your gums and may recommend periodontal treatment before proceeding if necessary.

3. Space between neighbouring teeth

If nearby teeth have moved into the gap, there may not be enough room to position an implant and its replacement tooth correctly.

Depending on the extent of the movement, your treatment plan may need to address the spacing before implant placement. Your dentist will also consider how the replacement tooth will fit with the rest of your bite.

4. Overall health and healing

Your overall health, medications, smoking history, and the ability to practice proper oral hygiene can play a role in treatment and recovery.

Not all diseases make you ineligible for dental implants, but certain ones may need extra attention or consultation from your physician. Your dentist will take these things into account, along with your mouth's condition, when making his recommendation.

Can Bone Grafting Help After Years of Tooth Loss?

Yes, bone grafting may help when the jawbone has lost too much height or width to support an implant in the planned position.

During a bone graft procedure, material is added to an area where more bone support is needed. The area then needs time to heal, allowing the graft to integrate before the next stage of treatment when required.

Bone grafting is not necessary for everyone who has been missing a tooth for years. The decision depends on the amount and shape of the remaining bone, the location of the missing tooth, and the position planned for the implant.

Your dentist may discuss grafting if the available bone is too narrow or shallow. If the missing tooth is in the upper back jaw, a sinus lift may also be considered when the sinus leaves limited bone height for implant placement.

Learn more about bone grafting for dental implants.

Grafting adds a treatment stage and can extend the overall timeline. Your dentist can explain whether it is appropriate, how healing will be assessed, and what alternatives may be available.

How Do Dentists Assess an Old Missing Tooth Site?

An assessment helps establish whether an implant is suitable and whether any preparation is needed first. The process usually includes several steps.

Review your dental history

Your dentist will ask when you lost the tooth, why it was removed, and whether you have experienced pain, infection, gum problems, or changes in your bite. Previous dental treatment and relevant medical information can also help guide planning.

Examine your teeth and gums

The examination looks at the gap, nearby teeth, gum condition, and how your upper and lower teeth meet. Your dentist will also consider whether the space can accommodate a replacement tooth.

Assess the bone and surrounding structures

Dental X-rays help assess the area. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan may be recommended when more detailed, three-dimensional information is needed.

This imaging can help show bone dimensions and the relationship between the proposed implant site and nearby structures. It can provide useful information when conventional X-rays do not show enough detail for treatment planning.

You can learn more about CBCT 3D dental imaging.

Not every patient needs a CBCT scan. The choice of imaging depends on the clinical findings and the information required for treatment planning.

Discuss your treatment options

After reviewing the findings, your dentist can explain whether an implant is suitable, whether additional procedures may be needed, and what other tooth replacement options you could consider.

At Sullivan Dentistry, Dr. Sepideh Maleki is the Founder and Principal Dentist. Patients can discuss their dental needs with the team and learn which next steps are appropriate for their circumstances. The recommended plan should be based on an individual examination rather than the number of years the tooth has been missing.

For general patient information, the Canadian Dental Association's guide to dental implants explains implant suitability, the treatment process, and ongoing care.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Implant After Years of Tooth Loss?

It all depends on the condition of the area as well as the need for further treatments. If the bones and gums are fine, then the procedure becomes an easier route. In case there is a need for bone grafting, the procedure will take much more time.

Treatment stage	What happens
Consultation and imaging	Your dentist examines the site and assesses whether an implant is suitable.
Additional treatment, if needed	Bone grafting or other preparation may be recommended before implant placement.
Healing after preparation	The area is given time to heal when a graft or another procedure requires it.
Implant placement	The implant is positioned in the jawbone.
Implant healing	The implant needs time to bond with the surrounding bone, a process called osseointegration.
Final restoration	A crown or another suitable replacement is attached once the site is ready.

Some patients need several months of healing between stages. Others may not need preparatory treatment at all. Your dentist can provide a more useful estimate after examining the site and determining which procedures are appropriate.

How long do dental implants last?

A systematic review published in the Journal of Dentistry in 2019 examined 18 studies and estimated 10-year dental implant survival at 96.4% in its primary analysis. When the researchers adjusted their analysis to account for missing follow-up data, the estimate was 93.2%.

These are research estimates, not a guarantee for an individual patient. Oral health, treatment planning, and ongoing maintenance remain important considerations for long-term implant care.

Are Dental Implants the Only Option for an Old Missing Tooth?

No. An implant is one way to replace a missing tooth, but it is not the only option. The right choice depends on your oral health, the condition of neighbouring teeth, your preferences, and the treatment involved.

Dental implant

An implant replaces the missing tooth root with a post placed in the jawbone. A replacement tooth is then attached to it. An implant may be suitable when the site and your overall oral health meet the requirements.

Explore dental implant treatment in Scarborough to learn more about this option.

Dental bridge

A bridge replaces the missing tooth by using neighbouring teeth or implants for support. A traditional bridge usually requires preparing the supporting teeth for crowns. Your dentist can explain whether the condition of those teeth makes a bridge a suitable choice.

Partial denture

A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. It may be worth considering if you are missing several teeth or prefer a removable option.

Each option has different maintenance needs, costs, and treatment requirements. Comparing them with your dentist can help you make a decision based on your circumstances rather than choosing an implant by default.

What Should You Do If You Have Been Missing a Tooth for Years?

If you have lived with a gap for a long time, you do not need to assume that treatment is no longer possible. Start by arranging a dental assessment, especially if you have noticed nearby teeth moving, difficulty chewing, or changes in your bite.

Before your appointment, consider these practical steps:

• Share your dental history: Tell your dentist when the tooth was lost and whether it was removed because of decay, gum disease, injury, or another problem.

• Mention changes you have noticed: Shifting teeth, discomfort, or changes in chewing can help guide the examination.

• Ask whether bone grafting is necessary: Find out what the imaging shows and why a graft is or is not recommended.

• Compare replacement options: Ask about implants, bridges, and partial dentures, including their maintenance and treatment timelines.

• Discuss long-term care: Ask how to clean the replacement tooth and what follow-up visits will be needed.

At Sullivan Dentistry, you can discuss your missing tooth and ask about the assessment, proposed treatment, expected timeline, and costs before deciding how to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a dental implant 10 years after losing a tooth?

Yes, an implant may still be possible 10 years after tooth loss. Your dentist will assess your bone, gums, available space, and general health to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.

Can I get an implant 20 years after losing a tooth?

It may still be possible after 20 years. The site may have experienced bone loss or tooth movement, so an examination and appropriate imaging are needed to establish whether an implant can be placed as planned or whether additional treatment is required.

Will I always need a bone graft if I have had a missing tooth for years?

No. Bone grafting is recommended only when additional bone support is needed for the planned implant. Some people retain enough suitable bone, while others may benefit from grafting or another approach.

Is getting a dental implant painful?

The implants will be placed under appropriate anesthesia. It is possible to have some pain, swelling or soreness during healing. Your dental care provider will brief you about all the information regarding this process.

What if I am not suitable for a dental implant?

You may still be able to replace the missing tooth with a bridge or partial denture. Your dentist can explain the options available and whether any preparatory treatment could make implant treatment possible in the future.

Discuss Your Dental Implant Options

Just because a tooth is missing doesn't mean that you can't get an implant at a later date. What matters is whether or not you can undergo treatment right away, or if preparation needs to be done first.

An exam will give you a clearer idea of what your options are and how things will play out. Get in touch with Sullivan Dentistry for more information about your missing tooth.