Losing a tooth is rarely just about the gap.

It is the little things that start to feel different. The way you chew on one side without thinking. The way you pause before you laugh wide. The way you automatically cover your mouth in photos, even if you never used to.

And then there is the quiet practical side of it. Teeth do not just sit there looking nice. They keep your bite balanced, help you speak clearly, and support the jawbone underneath them.

That is why dental implants have become such a popular option. They are not simply a “replacement tooth.” They are designed to replace the root too, which matters more than most people realize.

In this article, we are going to talk about what implants are really like in everyday life, who they work best for, what timing means after an extraction, and a few questions people are often surprised to learn they should ask.

Can I get a dental implant if I have gum disease or bone loss?

Yes, many people still can, but it depends on the severity and whether the gum disease is active.

Think of it this way: placing an implant into an unhealthy environment is like renovating a home with an active leak. You can build something beautiful, but the foundation will keep getting damaged.

What we look for

We focus on three big questions:

1. Is gum disease currently active or controlled? Active infection needs to be treated first.
2. How much bone is available, and where? Bone volume and density matter.
3. Can we create a stable, cleanable result? If you cannot keep it clean, it is not the right plan.

What happens if you have bone loss

Bone loss does not automatically mean “no implants.” It often means we add a step.

Possible solutions include:

• Bone grafting to rebuild support
• Sinus lift procedures in certain upper jaw cases
• Treating gum disease first so the tissues are stable
• Adjusting implant size or position based on the anatomy

The key is timing and stability. If you have had gum issues in the past, we may also talk about a long term maintenance plan, because keeping gum inflammation low is crucial for implants too.

Bottom line: If you have gum disease or bone loss, it is worth getting evaluated. Many patients assume they are not candidates, then find out they simply need the right sequence of care.

What happens if I wait too long after a tooth extraction to get an implant?

This is one of the most important implant questions, and it is not just about aesthetics.

After a tooth is removed, the jawbone in that area starts to change. Without a root stimulating it, the bone can shrink over time. Gum tissue can also shift. That can affect how straightforward implant placement will be later.

Why timing matters

If you wait “too long,” a few things may happen:

• Less bone to work with, which can mean grafting becomes necessary
• Neighboring teeth can drift into the space
• Opposing teeth can over erupt (they move down or up searching for contact)
• Your bite can shift subtly, which affects comfort and jaw joints
• The final cosmetic result can be harder to perfect, especially in visible areas

Is it ever okay to wait?

Sometimes, yes. In certain cases, waiting is actually part of a healthy plan. For example:

• If there is an infection that needs time to resolve
• If the extraction site needs healing before grafting or placement
• If we are coordinating other dental work

What we usually recommend instead of guessing

Rather than guessing about timing, we prefer to create a simple plan based on your situation.

A helpful “next step” checklist looks like this:

1. Confirm the health of the extraction site (infection or inflammation status).
2. Measure bone levels early (imaging now can prevent surprises later).
3. Decide on the best placement approach (immediate, early, or delayed placement).
4. Protect the space if needed (temporary tooth replacement can help prevent shifting).
5. Set a timeline you can realistically follow.

If you had an extraction months or years ago, do not assume it is too late. It may simply mean we plan differently to rebuild what has changed.

Do dental implants set off airport metal detectors or affect MRI scans?

This question is more common than you might think, and it is a fair concern.

Airport metal detectors

Most dental implants are made of titanium or titanium alloys, and some implants can also be zirconia (ceramic). In general, dental implants are small and are not the type of metal that commonly triggers airport screening.

Practical reality: Most people with implants travel without any issue at all.
If you are someone who travels frequently and you are anxious about it, tell us. We can explain what your implant is made of and what to expect.

MRI scans

Dental implants are generally considered compatible with MRI scans for most patients. Titanium is widely used in medical devices because it behaves well in the body.

That said, imaging centers still ask about implants and medical devices because they are doing their safety checks. The right move is simple:

Always tell the MRI technologist you have a dental implant. They will note it and proceed appropriately.

In some cases, dental work can cause minor artifacts on images near the mouth or jaw, but that is an imaging quality issue, not usually a safety issue.

If you ever need documentation, our office can help you understand what type of implant material you have so you can answer confidently on medical forms.

How long do implants last?

Implants are designed to be a long term solution. Many can last for decades, and some patients keep them for life.

But longevity depends on a few controllable factors.

Implants tend to last longer when you:

• Brush and clean around them consistently
• Keep gum inflammation low
• Attend regular dental visits
• Manage grinding or clenching (often with a nightguard)
• Avoid smoking or address tobacco use honestly with your dentist
• Treat gum disease early if it appears

A crown can sometimes need replacement over time due to normal wear, just like a crown on a natural tooth might. The implant itself is often the part that stays stable the longest, assuming the surrounding bone and gums remain healthy.

What implant aftercare really looks like

Many people worry that implants require complicated maintenance. Usually, they do not.

Your routine is typically:

1. Brush twice daily with a soft brush.
2. Clean between teeth daily (floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser depending on your case).
3. Come in for professional cleanings and checkups.
4. Call if anything feels “off” instead of waiting.

Watch for these early warning signs:

• Bleeding around the implant when brushing
• Swelling or tenderness in the gum
• A change in how the bite feels
• A persistent bad taste in that area

None of these automatically mean implant failure, but they do mean it is time to get checked.

Is an implant right for you?

If you are considering implants, here are a few questions that can clarify your direction quickly.

Ask yourself:

1. Do I want something fixed in place, not removable?
2. Do I want to avoid altering neighboring teeth if possible?
3. Am I willing to follow a step by step plan for long term payoff?
4. Do I want to protect bone and bite balance over time?

And here is the most important one:

Do I want a plan tailored to my mouth, not a generic recommendation?

Because that is what makes implant treatment feel simple, even when it is complex behind the scenes.

Ready to talk through your options?

If you are missing a tooth, planning an extraction, or you have had a gap for a while and want to know what is still possible, let’s take the guesswork out of it.

At Vartanian Dental Group, we will evaluate your gums, your bone support, your bite, and your timeline, then walk you through the most sensible options for your situation.

Call Vartanian Dental Group to schedule your dental implant consultation and get a clear plan you can feel good about.