Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
Dentist Charlotte, NC
 No one is too old to get dental implants. In fact, you may only be limited from getting implants because you are younger. Children under the age of 10 are not good candidates because their jaws are still developing. For most adults, dental implants are commonly chosen as an efficient remedy for missing teeth.
Our Myers Park Dental Partners dentists recommend these synthetic teeth since they resemble the appearance, feel, and functionality of real teeth. Constructed from titanium, they integrate well with the jawbone, forming a strong and long-lasting base for the implant. While there is no specific age range for getting dental implants, there are certainly many factors to consider to be suitable for implants, as outlined below:
Age Considerations for Dental Implants
When it comes to age, Myers Park Dental Partners tend to look at the overall structure of your oral bones. We understand that implants are anchored on your jawbone or cheekbones, and hence, you should be healthy. If you have suffered significant bone loss as you age, the dentist will provide restoration solutions. In most cases, even individuals without the jawbone can successfully undergo implants.
That said, we also consider your age before proposing implants. Dental implants are supposed to act as permanent tooth replacements. In other words, they are not ideal for a jawbone that is still developing. Further, they cannot be used to replace teeth that have a chance of growing back.
Generally, individuals under the age of 15 are discouraged from undergoing implants. Even so, each case is unique, and eligibility can only be determined after examination. Even older individuals must undergo an examination to determine their suitability. While your age may be okay, other factors, such as gum disease, can prevent you from undergoing implants. You can learn more about your specific condition by calling us at (704)332-2532 for consultation.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Older Adults
Dental implants offer a lasting solution compared to traditional dentures, which frequently require adjustments or replacements. Their durability makes them a good choice for older individuals, offering a permanent solution to tooth loss. Here are the main benefits of dental implants for the elderly.
Prevent Bone Loss
A key advantage of dental implants is their ability to prevent deterioration of the jawbone. After tooth loss, the jawbone may weaken, leading to additional oral health issues. Implants stimulate and maintain bone structure, preserving facial features and oral health.
They Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence
One of the cosmetic benefits of dental implants is that they boost the self-esteem of older adults. Serving as a solution for bite correction, implants provide a natural-looking smile, significantly improving self-image. This enhancement encourages greater participation in social situations and leads to a renewed sense of confidence.
Enhanced Oral Functionality
For the elderly, dental implants greatly improve their ability to eat, speak, and smile with ease. This enhancement in basic oral functions significantly enhances their daily comfort and quality of life, enabling them to enjoy a variety of foods and engage in conversations without the concern of unstable dentures.
Improved Nutrition and Diet
With dental implants, seniors can comfortably chew a wide array of foods, leading to better nutrition. This capability to consume a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining overall health, particularly in older adults.
Speech Clarity
Dental implants can positively influence speech clarity. Unlike dentures, which may slip and result in slurred speech or mumbling, implants remain securely in place, allowing for clearer and more natural speech. This advantage can greatly enhance communication for seniors, improving their social interactions and quality of life.
Age Should Not Be a Barrier to Dental Implants
Age should never be a barrier to having dental implants. If you have lost one or more teeth, we have a solution that can give you your smile back. Dental implants are a solution for all as long as your jawbone and gums are in place. Even if you have lost a significant part of your jawbone, we can restore it through bone grafting to help you get implants.
Exploring Dental Implant Options for Seniors
For seniors thinking about getting dental implants, it is important to understand the specific things that matter for their age group. Factors like how strong their jawbone is and their overall health are really important in figuring out if dental implants are a good fit for them. These things help make sure that the dental treatment they choose matches up with how healthy they are and the way they live their lives. At our dental office, we carry out checks to gauge senior eligibility for implants based on these factors.
Bone Density
Having enough bone in the jaw is crucial for the implant to stay in place. Older adults might have experienced bone loss, so they might need tests or procedures to help the implant work well.
Overall Health
Health issues that are common in older adults, like diabetes or heart disease, can affect how well the implant heals. It is important to get a thorough health check to see if there are any risks with the surgery.
Similarly, some medications, such as those for osteoporosis, can affect how well the bone heals and how the implant fits in. It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist.
Overall Oral Care
Keeping your mouth clean is key to ensuring the implant lasts a long time. Older adults need to consider whether they can take care of their mouths every day before they go to the dentist for implants. Without proper care, implants may not heal well.
Age-Friendly Solutions: Dental Implants
All types of implants can work on adults; however, they may not be suitable. It is recommended that adults who have lost several teeth go for multiple teeth implants. If you have lost one tooth, your dentist may have to check and see whether adjacent teeth are also at risk of getting lost.
The dentist is likely to recommend All-on-4 Implants, which allow you to restore a full arch of teeth with just four implants. These types are ideal for those in need of full mouth reconstruction and reduce the time needed to complete the reconstruction.
Are Dental Implants Suitable for Older Individuals
Dental implants are suitable for adults of all ages. They can be used equally for seniors and young adults. It does not matter whether you have lost some or all your teeth. Implants make it possible to restore your smile regardless of your age.
At Myers Park Dental Partners, we are ready to provide you with all the information you need about implants. You do not have to make a rush decision to get the implants. Our dentists are available to answer your questions and clarify any concerns. To get in touch with us, call us at (704) 332-2532. |
