Millions of people enjoy living with complete smiles because their dentists replaced their lost teeth with durable and beautiful dental implants. These lifelike restorations work, look, and feel just like real teeth, and they allow patients to enjoy a range of benefits that traditional tooth replacements cannot match. However, some patients may wonder if they are too old to receive dental implants. Here’s how the dental implant process works and why you can restore your smile with these advanced dental prosthetic devices as any age.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of a titanium post, a lifelike dental restoration, and an abutment piece securing the two together. The titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone where it fuses with its surrounding bone structure through the natural process of osseointegration. The implant can support restorations like artificial teeth, bridges, and dentures, and it can deliver a range of benefits such as:
- Maximum chewing ability
- Improved nutrition and digestion
- No risk of the restoration slipping out of place during use
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
After you are approved for the treatment during your consultation, you will be scheduled for oral surgery. This procedure will begin with your surgeon administering an anesthetic treatment to ensure your comfort, and you may also receive a sedation treatment if necessary. They will then open the gum tissue and place the titanium post of your implant into your jawbone. Afterward, you will receive detailed postoperative instructions for caring for the surgical site so you can ensure that your implant heals well.
How Old Is Too Old for Dental Implants?
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. These remarkable appliances can be placed in adult patients with fully developed jaws of all ages as long as they are in good oral health and have adequate bone mass at the placement site. If you aren’t ready for implants when you have your first consultation, you may be able to become a suitable candidate later after receiving restorative treatments like gum disease therapy or bone grafts to reinforce your jaw.
Most patients report that receiving an implant is much easier than having a tooth extracted. With excellent care, your dental implant can last thirty years or more.
About the Author
Dr. Alison Fitzgerald earned her dental doctorate at the Crieghton School of Dentistry and stays abreast of the latest developments in her field through continuing education courses from the Kois Center, Progressive Orthodontics, and Partners in Synergy. Her office in Tucson offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To book your dental implant consultation, contact her practice online or dial (520) 338-2980.