I began a dental implant process about 6 years ago. however, i haven't had the next steps done due to $ issues. is it too late to continue now?

It depends: You'll have to see a dentist to know for sure. If no implant placed, you may have lost bone height and width, teeth may have migrated into the restorative space, or it may be fine. Certainly waiting will have complicated the process, but hopefully you can get it finished. Good luck.

No: Depending upon the amount of changes that have taken place in your mouth over the past 6 years your implant may still be a viable option to replace a missing tooth. The mouth is a dynamic place that is always changing. Your dentist , preferably the person who planned the procedure can provide a more detailed plan as to if and how the implant could be restored.

Be honest: Don't be afraid to be honest w your dentist about your delay in treatment. The dr. Will respect the fact that you are earnest about your dental health, and work hard to do what is needed despite your delay. Expect some things to change from the original treatment plan. Best of luck!

Never too late: The objective of having dental work is to be able to preserve your teeth for a life time and avoiding wearing denture. If your implant plays a protective role in your dentition, then it is never too late to have them done. If your missing tooth is a first molar, then the implant process should be completed no matter when, because it is the most important tooth of the occlusion.

Implants: I would recommend if you pay your dentist a visit and ask him to take an x ray and examine the implant site . If everything looks fine . It is ok to finish by placing a crown on it .Never too late.

Good news for you: In the vast majority of cases, if the right implant was placed in the right position by a skilled surgeon, there is no specific time frame that by holding off the next step, namely restoring the implant with a restoration, there is any downside or problem. In short, postponing treatment should not be problematic. You will need a current x-ray and exam to confirm that. Late is better than never!

Are the implants OK?: Assuming the implants are still ok, and it is likely that they are, you can proceed with the next steps.

Not necessarily: If the implant is in the bone and in good shape, then it should be able to be used. However, the surrounding teeth may have shifted into an unfavorable position and require repositioning to allow the implant to be properly used. See a prosthodontist for evaluation and options. They are the specialists for this type of treatment. Good luck.

Depends: Provided the area was kept clean and the area has been healthy with no abscesses or swelling and the x-rays show that the bone is intact then you can go ahead and have the implant finished.

Probably No!: You didn't really state where you were in the process, but considering that individuals who have had no teeth for years can get dental implant and corresponding implant teeth, you should be able to continue. After 6 years you will need a new comprehensive oral exam and new imaging studies in order to update your treatment plan. Good luck!

Depends on implant.: The next step would be to uncover the implant and place a healing button on the top of it. If an x-ray appears to show a healthy implant, then an uncover procedure would be attempted next. Once exposed, the surgeon will be able to tell if the implant is integrated and solid, or not. If it is stable, full speed ahead ! i suspect you won't have issues if the x-ray looks ok. Keep smiling.

Restoring implant: It is not late to restore the implant. Visit dentist with Expertise in implant restoration

Never too late: See your dentist for x-ray and final impression. The dental implant is for a long time, maybe even a lifetime. Good luck.