Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
Dentist Salem, OR
 Seniors who do not take great care of their teeth tend to lose them much later in life. This leaves many wondering if they are a candidate for dental implant surgery. The good news is that age is not a limiting factor when it comes to dental implants. Older adults, even those in their 70s or 80s, benefit from dental implants because they provide a durable and natural-looking solution to tooth loss. A comprehensive evaluation by our team of professionals is essential to assess factors such as bone density and any underlying medical conditions that could affect healing. Overall health and the condition of the jawbone are the deciding factors for dental implants, regardless of age.
Over time, extensive tooth loss leads to the loss of bone height and density in the jaw, and when this happens, the jaw may not be suitable for implants. However, bone grafts may be performed to stimulate bone growth for later dental implant placement. In addition, when dental implants are placed in the jawbone, they stimulate bone growth just like natural tooth roots, and prevent this loss of bone density. Which also prevents the sunken, sagging appearance that is associated with age, but actually comes from extensive tooth loss. Dental implants enhance our patient's appearance, their quality of life, they restore the function and form of the smile, and boost confidence, regardless of age.
If you would like an evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants, regardless of age, please call the Fairmount Dental Center team at (503) 362-8364 to schedule an appointment today.
Bone Diversity and Healing Considerations Bone density plays a crucial role in the success of dental implants because it affects the stability of the implant, and the healing process. Patients with high bone density experience better outcomes because the implant anchors more securely into the jawbone. A lack of bone density may result in implant failure, and a second procedure.
Those with lower bone density, or conditions like osteoporosis, may require additional procedures such as bone grafting. A bone grafting procedure stimulates bone growth and builds up sufficient bone mass for implant support. However, healing time and the rate of success vary. Success is dependent on the patient's overall health, age, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and medications that they are taking. A thorough evaluation by our team is required to create a personalized treatment plan that ensures optimal healing, and long-term success of dental implants.
Assessing Individual Candidacy Determining if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants starts with a comprehensive assessment of several factors. This includes overall health, oral hygiene, and specific dental conditions. Our team performs a thorough evaluation with a review of our patient's medical history, a physical examination, and imaging such as X-rays or CT scans to evaluate the patient's bone structure and density. If the patient is without sufficient bone height or density, bone grafts may be an option to stimulate bone growth, and later place the dental implants.
Factors such as chronic disease, certain medications, and lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking influence the decision of whether a patient is suitable for implants, and the long healing process that comes with it. When the implants are placed into the jawbone, it takes months for the bone to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. Without good overall health, the implants have a higher risk of failure.
In addition, the condition of the gums and remaining teeth, as well as the alignment of the bite, are critical to plan a successful implant procedure. When we work closely with our patients to consider these individual variables, we develop a unique, custom-tailored treatment plan that maximizes the chances of success for implant integration and long-term oral health.
Advantages of Dental Implants for Older Adults Dental implants offer many benefits for older adults, and greatly enhance their quality of life. Implants provide a stable and permanent solution to tooth loss. This allows for more natural chewing and speaking when compared to traditional dentures. Also, dental implants mimic the natural teeth down to the root. These artificial tooth roots prevent the bone loss that comes with missing teeth. Dental implants maintain facial structure, and prevent the sunken, sagging appearance that is associated with age, but this look is actually the result of lost teeth that can no longer stimulate bone growth in the jaw.
In addition, implants improve speech clarity, and eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience of removable dentures. Traditional dentures are not as secure, and often slip, but implant-supported dentures stay firmly anchored in place. The confidence gained from having a full, natural-looking smile that doesn't slip positively impacts social interactions, and overall well-being. For seniors seeking a durable, long-term solution to missing teeth, dental implants are a highly effective and extremely beneficial option.
Consultation and Treatment Planning The journey to successful dental implants begins with a detailed consultation and meticulous treatment planning. During the initial consultation, our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation. This includes medical and dental history reviews, oral health assessments, and imaging such as X-rays or CT scans. This evaluation helps to identify if our patient is suitable for implants, and to identify any preparatory procedures that may be necessary, such as bone grafting or gum treatment.
During this time, we conduct a detailed discussion of the patient's goals, expectations, and any potential concerns. This ensures a clear understanding of the process, and maximizes the chances of a successful procedure. Our team develops a customized treatment plan, where we outline each step from the initial preparation to the placement of the final implant-supported restorations. This thorough planning phase is crucial to address individual patient needs, optimize outcomes, and ensure a smooth, successful dental implant experience.
If you are a senior who is considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, please call the Fairmount Dental Center team at (503) 362-8364 with any questions, or to schedule a consultation today. |
