Am I Too Old For Dental Implants?

There is no age limit, and most challenges with bone density and gum health can be easily treated. To discuss your dental implant options, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today.

You are never too old for dental implants. It doesn’t matter if you’re 70, 80 or even 90, there is no upper age limit. All we ask is that your jawbone and gums are in a generally healthy condition.

As mentioned earlier, you can get dental implants at any age - unless you are younger than 21 years old. While treatment is offered in special circumstances, most practices won’t consider dental implants until your jawbone has fully developed. Now, let’s discuss the factors that may impact your eligibility.

Am I suitable for dental implants?

While age is not important, your health is. There are a number of issues that can make you unsuitable for this procedure, but these are often treatable.

Factor	How does it impact eligibility?	Treatment options
Gum disease	Can cause dental implant failure, infection and discomfort	· Scaling and root planning · Laser therapy · Antibiotics · Tooth removal · Bone graft · Gum graft
Bone loss and low bone density	Dental implants need a strong, secure base to attach to	· Bone graft · Zygomatic implants · Pterygoid implants · Sinus lift
Receding gums	Dental implants need a strong, secure base to attach to	· Gum graft

Other habits, health conditions or ongoing medical issues may delay treatment, or even prevent you from getting it altogether. If any of the following applies, please make your dentist aware. It is essential that you are completely honest to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

You have diabetes
You have autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
You have a heart condition
You have bone disorders like osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta
You are undergoing radiotherapy
You smoke
You take recreational drugs

Risks and complications of dental implants for seniors

There are complications that need to be taken into consideration if you want to get dental implants at an older age. Surgical risks, like nerve damage or excessive bleeding, may occur as a result of age-related health conditions. Such conditions can also increase the chance of peri-implantitis (implant infection).

In addition to this, studies from the British Journal of Anaesthesia recognises that the elderly are more susceptible to the adverse effects of all sedative drugs (1). Rest assured, your dentist will identify which is the safest form of anaesthesia or sedation prior to the procedure beginning.

Benefits of dental implants

You deserve to live life to the fullest no matter your age. That’s just what dental implants allow you to do - a truly life-changing procedure, implants allow you to smile, speak and eat freely once more. Here are just some of the benefits that this treatment offers, and how your life could be impacted:

Broken, worn and missing teeth are replaced with a perfect straight white smile
Your ongoing pain and embarrassment is instantly eliminated
Finally enjoy all your favourite foods without discomfort
The main surgery is carried out in one appointment, meaning you will experience a same-day transformation
The procedure is painless with your choice of sedation or anaesthesia
Dental implants can prevent bone loss by stimulating natural bone growth
The risk of teeth migrating into gaps and becoming misaligned is removed

Conclusion:

Confidence is ageless. Book your consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite today and take charge of your future happiness.

References:

(1) https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(18)30642-1/fulltext