If you’re familiar with dental implants, you’ve probably heard that they’re considered the gold standard when it comes to tooth restoration. The ingenuity of this solution is virtually unmatched; titanium posts are surgically embedded into the jawbone, where they’ll fuse with it to provide an unmatched level of stability for the replacement teeth. That said, you might be wondering if there’s an upper age limit for dental implants due to their unique placement method. Keep reading to learn more about how dental implants are an excellent option for older patients, along with some of their priceless benefits.
There’s No Upper Age Limit for Dental Implants
In short, no age is too old for dental implants! The solution can be just as effective in older patients and heal with a similar level of predictability as 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 than 80. The collected data indicated that both groups had nearly identical implant success rates; this means that old age is generally an irrelevant factor when considering dental implant eligibility!
However, it’s also worth noting that there is an age requirement for receiving dental implants; while this isn’t an exact number, it’s generally around age 18 or so, as the jawbone often continues to grow and change during the teenage years.
The Ideal Dental Implant Candidate
The ideal dental implant candidate needs to be in adequate oral health and possess sufficient jawbone density; these are arguably the two most important factors when determining eligibility! 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.
If your jawbone lacks the strength to support implants, you might need to undergo a dental bone graft. And it’s even possible that specific medicines might affect your candidacy for dental implants, meaning that you’ll want to review your medical history with your dentist before heading down this path.
Priceless Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants aren’t just the best option for replacing lost teeth—they are accompanied by several priceless advantages! Here’s more about a few of them:
- They’re built to last – Implants are made from high quality, biocompatible materials and are designed with the future in mind; they can last for several decades with proper care!
- They prevent jawbone deterioration – Since implants fully replace the entire structure of lost teeth, they provide your jawbone with the necessary amount of stimulation needed to remain vital and strong.
- They look completely natural – Implants don’t just restore your teeth in terms of functionality; they look and feel totally lifelike. In fact, people won’t even be able to tell that you have implants unless you let them know.
- They’re easy to maintain – Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t require any specialized maintenance and are relatively easy to care for. It’s worth noting that regular dental visits are still important, as your provider can inspect your implants and ensure there aren’t any underlying issues.
About the Practice
The team at Vason Family Dentistry proudly serves patients and families in the Atlanta, GA area! Under the skilled leadership of Dr. Carlisle Vason and Dr. Kristen Grisham, they offer a comprehensive range of treatments including tooth replacement solutions like dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation to see if they can assist you, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (404) 977-4459.