Dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth—however, many patients with lost pearly whites wonder if they qualify for such an incredible option. One valid concern that some people have has to do with age—while it makes sense for dental implants to have a lower age limit, can a person ever be too old to safely receive and benefit from the restorations? Keep reading to learn more from your trusted dentist about dental implants and their capabilities, along with why there’s no upper age limit for receiving them!
Understanding How Dental Implants Work
To put it simply, dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as replacement tooth roots. Once the implant(s) fully integrates with the jaw, a custom-made crown is placed on top, thus replicating the appearance and function of the lost natural tooth. Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional restoration options like dentures or bridges, including improved stability, awesome longevity, and jawbone preservation.
You’re Never Too Old for Dental Implants
The bottom line is that no age is too old for dental implants; the solution can be just as effective for older patients as it can be for younger patients! In fact, a 2004 study compared the implant success rates of two different age groups: one consisting of patients over the age of 80, and the other including patients younger. The collected data indicated that both groups had nearly identical implant success rates, meaning that old age is generally irrelevant when considering dental implant eligibility and success.
The Ideal Dental Implant Candidate
The ideal dental implant candidate needs to be in excellent oral health and possess adequate jawbone density; for example, if you don’t practice diligent oral hygiene and your gums have become compromised due to gum disease, you won’t be able to receive implants until you’ve undergone periodontal therapy. In other cases, if your jawbone lacks the strength to support implants, you might need to undergo a dental bone graft. During your consultation, your dentist will let you know about your eligibility status before clearing you for implants.
A Few Priceless Benefits of Dental Implants
In addition to being entirely accessible to older patients, here are a few more notable benefits that dental implants have to offer:
- Impressive durability – Dental implants are made from high-quality materials that are designed to last for several decades under optimal circumstances.
- Natural-looking – Dental implants don’t just function like your natural teeth; they also look like them! People won’t even be able to tell that you have them unless you say something yourself.
- Prevents jawbone deterioration – Since implants replace the roots of your lost teeth, they also restore the stimulation that they provide to your jawbone which encourages it to remain resolute and full.
- Easy to clean and maintain – With dentures, patients have to frequently soak them and ensure they fit properly. But with dental implants, no specialized maintenance is required, and you simply need to care for them diligently, as you would your natural teeth. That said, be sure you’re continuing to visit your dentist for checkups!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Christian A. Pham, the team at Crownridge Dental and Orthodontics is excited to provide patients and families in San Antonio with an exceptional level of care! They proudly offer a wide variety of restorative options including dental implants for patients looking to rebuild their smiles and improve their quality of life. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re hoping to schedule a consultation to see if you might benefit from dental implants, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (210) 538-7500.