Missing one or more teeth can be a difficult reality. In addition to cutting out tougher goofs, saying certain words and smiling without feeling self-conscious seem nearly impossible. The good news is that dental implants are available to restore the appearance and function of the teeth. However, you might be wondering if dental implants are an ideal solution for seniors. Can you be too old to get dental implants? Here’s what you should know.
What’s the Ideal Age for Dental Implants?
The good news is that dental implants can benefit people of any age once their jawbone has finished growing and developing. This is usually complete sometime in your early 20s. Age isn’t a huge factor that is taken into consideration when considering candidacy for dental implants. Instead, it is us to your dentist to look at your medical history, gum health, and integrity of your jawbone. If all of those things are in order, you are likely a good candidate for the procedure.
What Makes One a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
During your consultation, your dentist will determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Here are some qualities that make someone a great dental implant candidate.
- Healthy Gums: You are more likely to develop gum disease when you have dental implants vs natural teeth. Ultimately, if you end up with gum disease, the bacteria can attach to the bone that supports your implant, increasing your risk of failure.
- Oral Hygiene: If you don’t care for your smile now, how will your dentist know that you will after your procedure? Just like natural teeth, dental implants must be brushed twice and flossed every day to be successful.
- Lifestyle Choices: Patients who smoke or drink heavily can run into issues with their dental implants. Smoking doubles your risk of gum disease and slows down the healing process. Drinking heavily can interfere with healing and inhibit the clotting of blood.
- Strong Jawbone: Dental implants must be firmly anchored in the jawbone. They fuse together in a process called “osseointegration.” However, when you are missing teeth, the jawbone isn’t being stimulated by regular biting and chewing, resulting in bone loss. A shrunken jawbone is unable to adequately support dental implants.
- Excellent Overall Health: Getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure, so it is important that you are healthy enough to undergo this. Some chronic disease can create additional risks surrounding dental implants, so they must also be considered. For example, having uncontrolled diabetes can make it difficult for your body to prevent and fight against infections.
To find out if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist. No matter how old you are, you deserve to show off a complete smile that makes you feel confident.
About the Practice
At D&G Dental of West Orange, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the West Orange community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (973) 731-2200.