Can you have an implant years after the tooth has been removed?

Q.
How long after the removal of a tooth can I have an implant? Is 20 years too long? At that time, I lost a tooth and had a bridge fitted. However, my back, upper tooth which was supporting the bridge, has broken and had to be removed. I could have it replaced with an implant and then have a new bridge fitted but I would prefer to have the implant where the original tooth was taken out. I would then just have a small gap at the very back of my mouth. My dentist is telling me that
a person can have an implant at any time but the dentist of a relative of mine told him that the implant had to be done within three months of losing the tooth. Which is correct?
A.
You can have an implant at any time. Some patients have implants to replace dentures after more than 20 years. However the 8-12 week period after extraction is particularly favourable to place implants before the jawbone has reshapes to a smaller ridge size.
Regards Rob
0121 643 0610
Dr Rob Tennet St Johns Dental Practice 18 Bennett’s Hill, Birmingham, B2 5QJ Web: www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk

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