Aging Inquiry: Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

Aging impacts your body in many ways, and your mouth is no exception. The older you grow, the more likely you are to lose teeth from daily wear and tear, untreated injuries or issues, or poor dental hygiene. As a result, you’re more likely to require replacement teeth in your later years.

Many providers consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild your smile because of their unique advantages. However, some seniors might worry that they’ve waited too long to undergo the procedure. Continue reading to learn how your age might impact this treatment and why you can still have hope!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the only restorations that include a titanium rod that’s surgically embedded into your jaw. Once this support pole is placed, it functions like a root to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down. Over the next several months, your mouth produces enough fresh material to envelop and fuse with the metal pole completely, making it a permanent part of your smile.

When you’ve recovered sufficiently, your dentist will cap it with a customized dental crown or other appropriate prosthetic. The final product is a new tooth that looks and functions more like the real thing than alternative treatments like dentures or dental bridges.

How Can Age Affect Dental Implants?

Before you can proceed with your restoration, you must consult your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate. They’ll examine your mouth to update your medical history to verify that your overall condition is healthy enough to withstand surgery. They’ll also examine your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone to prevent pre-existing issues from interfering with the results.

Unfortunately, older adults produce less saliva and are more likely to have cavities or gum disease that must be addressed before continuing. That means you’re more likely to develop peri-implantitis, the number one leading cause of failure. Also, your jawbone might already be too thin to support implants. If that’s the case, an additional bone graft procedure can often bulk it up enough to move forward.

Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

Thankfully, there’s no age limit on getting these prosthetics. If you’re unsure whether it’s the best option for you, the best way to find out for certain is by scheduling an appointment with your provider. They’ll be able to discuss realistic options with you based on the findings of their examination.

Your dentist can work with you to overcome issues keeping you from getting dental implants at any point in time!

About the Practice

At Drennan Family Dentistry, you benefit from two dentists who share decades of combined experience helping people of all ages enhance their lives by improving their oral health. Dr. Drennan and Dr. Carlson work together to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including dental implants. They partner with the best local surgeons for optimal placement, then create a beautiful, customized replacement tooth to rebuild your grin. You can request an appointment on the website or call (817) 732-5522.