Can A 90 Year Old Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer life-changing benefits, allowing you to eat, speak and laugh without pain or embarrassment. Book your consultation today to kickstart your journey to a healthier smile.
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Once your jawbone has fully developed (usually around the age of 21), you can get this treatment at any age. All we ask is that your gums are healthy and you have enough bone for our dentists to work with.
Can a 90 year old get dental implants?
A question we often get asked is, am I too old for dental implants? Absolutely not. We regularly fit implants for patients in their 60s, 70s and 80s. As mentioned earlier, your eligibility is determined by your bone and gum health, rather than your age. There are limitations however that need to be taken into consideration:
- Slower healing capacity: The body’s natural ability to heal can take longer in elderly patients.
- Medications: For example blood thinners, which have the ability to increase swelling, bleeding, bruising and general discomfort.
- Cognitive impairments: Dental implants require a meticulous oral care regime. The patient also needs to be able to co-operate during surgery and give consent.
- Health conditions: Diabetes is one example. This health condition may affect the healing process.
- Insufficient bone density: Implants need a strong base to anchor onto, or else the prosthetic can fail.
At what age should you not get dental implants?
The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite do not recommend getting dental implants until you are at least 21 years old, when your jawbone has finished developing. This is because implants are permanently fixed into the jawbone and do not move as the jaw continues to grow.
There is then a risk of the implant becoming out of alignment with the surrounding teeth, potentially affecting their appearance and function. Exceptions can be made however in special circumstances – book a consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite to determine your treatment options.
Dental implants: Who qualifies
Can anyone get teeth implants? Not quite. There is a small criteria you must meet to be considered eligible. Many complications, such as bone loss, may be addressed with additional dental procedures.
- There is no gum disease present (hygiene appointments available)
- You have good bone density (bone grafts and sinus lifts available)
The following also has the potential to limit your eligibility. During your initial consultation, we will review your medical history – please be fully honest about any health problems so we can ensure a smooth and safe process.
- Certain heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Bone disorders like osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta
- You are currently undergoing radiotherapy
- You take recreational drugs
Are dental implants worth it for seniors?
This popular treatment is life-changing for many of our patients, and can dramatically improve their day-to-day routine. There are pros and cons to the procedure, which seniors should take into consideration before having their implants fitted.
Dental implant pros | Dental implant cons |
Eat your favourite foods once more without pain. Think steaks, apples, biscuits and more | Invasive surgery with a long healing period (3 – 4 months average for younger patients, sometimes 5 – 6+ for seniors) |
Smile and pose confidently for family photos without hiding your teeth in embarrassment | Regular visits to the dentist are needed to check your dental implants are in good condition |
Loose, ill-fitting dentures that slide around the mouth are replaced with a strong, sturdy smile | This is a high maintenance treatment. Excellent oral hygiene and care is required at all times. |
Implants are impervious to decay, meaning your new teeth will not develop any cavities | There are many risks to be aware of, including implant infection and/or failure, nerve damage and sinus complications |
Enjoy your new smile for many years, thanks to grade 5 titanium implants and our skilled team of implantologists | Implants are one of the most expensive dental procedures available and have a high up-front cost |
What is the best tooth replacement for seniors?
Dental implants are not the only treatment option for senior patients. If you have broken, damaged and missing teeth you can choose from a variety of procedures, starting with dentures.
Dentures
Dentures are orthodontic devices that fit over your gums or clip onto existing teeth to stay in place. There are two types, fixed or removable, and may be used to replace one or multiple teeth. Modern dentures have come a long way in recent years, and are a far cry from the uncomfortable, artificial-looking dentures of the past.
Dental bridge
You can also opt for a dental bridge. This appliance attaches to the healthy adjacent teeth on one or both sides of the gap you wish to fill, or fixed in place with implants. If the bridge is attaching to your existing teeth, a clasp or wing is typically used to attach the appliance.
Which is the best option?
The answer to this question depends on numerous factors, including: bone density, the condition of any existing teeth, aesthetic preferences and cost. The list below outlines the most suitable tooth replacement options for seniors based on these factors.
- Low cost: Bridge or dentures
- Durability: Implant
- Removable: Dentures
- Natural appearance: Implant
- Comfort and stability: Implant or any fixed restoration
- Treatment time: Dentures
- Recovery: Dentures
- Bone loss: Dentures or bridge
- Treatment longevity: Implant
- Weak or damaged neighbouring teeth: Implant
- Maintenance and oral hygiene: Dentures
- Ease of use: Implant or any fixed restoration
Conclusion:
Are you looking for new teeth in later life? Or helping someone you care about? Book a consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite. Whatever your age, everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile.