I have discussed options for replacing missing teeth in the past. When appropriate, implants do come up as the best alternative. Sometimes people are hesitant to choose that option for reasons personal to themselves e.g.. cost, worries about the treatment itself or it just doesn’t fit into their lifes priorities at that time. Inevitably the discussion then turns to “ Can I wait and and go with an implant(s) later”. Most likely you can, but you need to be aware that there are risks in waiting. For example, teeth may shift into the area where the tooth or teeth are missing making it more difficult to either place the implant itself or to place a properly shaped tooth on the implant. As well, we all know you need to have enough bone to anchor the implants. Bone shrinks over time, especially if you are wearing a denture over the area.This may leave you with the need for more procedures such as bone grafting, or even worse, take the option completely off the table.
– Dr. Jay Rabinovich