Are you missing one or more teeth? If you’re looking for the best method for replacing your pearly whites, then you’re probably considering getting dental implants. While they offer the ultimate support for your teeth and jaw, you may be wondering if you’re too old to have them. Read on to learn why you can still get dental implants and the essential benefits they’ll provide!
Is There an Age Limit for Dental Implants?
You may have heard the common myth that dental implants won’t work for older people. However, the procedure can be just as successful whether you’re 20 or 90 years old. You can also expect the same healing and bonding process with implants as in a younger patient. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for people to live much longer, as dental implants can improve both dental and mental health overall!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Virtually anyone can receive a dental implant—as long as their jawbone is fully developed. Your dentist will evaluate your general, oral, and bone condition to ensure you and your mouth are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Having missing teeth can cause your jaw to shrink or face to change, meaning there may not be sufficient bone to grow over the metal posts. Even if this is the case, you can always get a bone graft to grow new material where your implants will go.
4 Benefits of Dental Implants
Unlike other restorations, such as dentures, dental implants will provide the necessary structure your jaw needs to maintain a healthy mouth. Here are a few benefits you can expect to enjoy:
- Easy to maintain: You won’t have to clean dental implants with special solutions or visit your dentist for frequent adjustments. Simply brushing twice daily and flossing once a day like normal teeth will suffice.
- Preserves the jawbone: By surgically embedding the metal posts in your jawbone, dental implants can prevent or stop further bone or tooth loss.
- Long-lasting: Other tooth replacements will need replacing over the years. But with proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime!
- Natural-feeling: The metal posts are anchored into your jaw, meaning you won’t have to worry about your restorations falling out when talking or eating.
So, if you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, your age shouldn’t be a factor. Ask your dentist for a consultation, and they’ll be more than happy to discuss your treatment options!
About the Author
Dr. Jason Hong studied at the New York University College of Dentistry and continues to seek advanced training to improve his dental expertise to this day. He’s also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, providing outstanding, modern, and passionate care for his patients. He offers a variety of comprehensive treatment options, including dental implants. If you’d like to schedule a dental implant consultation, feel free to visit our website or call 630-789-1555.