How Old Is Too Old for Dental Implants?

Missing any number of teeth can be challenging to deal with. In addition to cutting out tough foods, saying certain words and smiling without feeling self-conscious seem nearly impossible. Fortunately, dental implants are available to restore the appearance and function of your missing teeth. However, you may be wondering if dental implants are a good solution for seniors. Can you be too old to get dental implants? Continue reading to find out.

What’s the Ideal Age for Dental Implants?

The good news is that dental implants can benefit people of any age as long as their jawbone has finished growing and developing. This is usually complete by your early 20s. Age isn’t a huge factor that is taken into consideration when considering candidacy for dental implants. Instead, it is up to your dentist to look at your medical history, gum health, and integrity of your jawbone. If all of those things are in order, you are likely a good candidate for the procedure.

What Makes One a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

During your consultation, your dentist will determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Here are some qualities that make someone a great dental implant candidate:

• Healthy Gums: You are more likely to develop gum disease when you have dental implants vs your natural teeth. Ultimately, if you wind up with gum disease, the bacteria can attach to the bone that supports your implant, increasing your risk of failure.
• Oral Hygiene: If you aren’t caring for your smile now, how will your dentist know that you will after you get your implants? Just like natural teeth, dental implants need to be brushed twice and flossed daily to be successful.
• Lifestyle Choices: Patients who smoke or drink heavily can run into issues with their dental implants. Smoking doubles your risk of gum disease and slows down the healing process. Drinking heavily can interfere with healing and inhibit the clotting of blood.
• Strong Jawbone: Dental implants must be firmly anchored in the jawbone. They fuse together in a process called “osseointegration.” However, when you are missing teeth, the jawbone isn’t being stimulated by regular biting and chewing, resulting in bone loss. A shrunken jawbone is unable to adequately support dental implants.
• Excellent Overall Health: Getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure, so it is important that you are healthy enough to undergo this. Some chronic diseases can create additional risks surrounding dental implants, so they must be considered. For instance, having uncontrolled diabetes can make it difficult for your body to prevent and fight back infections. This is why it’s so important that your health history is discussed with your dentist.

To find out if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist. No matter what your age is, you deserve to show off a complete smile that makes you feel confident!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis earned her dental doctorate from the UConn School of Dental Medicine. Since graduating, she has completed numerous continuing education courses to expand her knowledge and skills. This includes advanced training focused on dental implants, TMJ therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at her office in West Hartford, visit her website or call (860) 236-4249.