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Dental implants have restored the smiles of millions of patients, and dentists regard them as the best way to replace lost teeth because they look, work, and feel just like the real thing. While many seniors have lost teeth due to illness or injury, many of them may be under the impression that they are too old to receive dental implants. Here’s why dental implants can be great for adults of all ages and what an older patient can expect during the placement process.
Why Is Tooth Loss More Common Among Older Adults?
The teeth of older adults have lived through a lot, and they can begin to show their wear and tear at later ages. Older adults can be more likely to experience tooth-threatening issues like gum disease and dental decay due to factors like:
- Poor oral hygiene: While human teeth are amazingly durable, they can be lost due to decades of inadequate oral care.
- Long-term bad habits: Decades of poor habits like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can compromise a patient’s oral health.
- Movement difficulties: Age-related conditions like arthritis can make it more difficult to complete activities of daily living like oral hygiene.
- Depression: Many older adults may find it difficult to remain motivated enough for proper oral care.
- Certain medications: Some prescribed medicines can reduce your mouth’s saliva production, which can make oral infections and dental injuries more likely.
- Health conditions: Conditions that affect the immune system such as diabetes can make oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay more likely.
Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be an excellent solution to tooth loss for qualifying adults of any age. Virtually anyone with missing teeth and sufficiently healthy gums and jawbones can be an excellent candidate for these prosthetic devices, and, if your dentist determines that you aren’t ready to receive them now, you may still be able to get them later after undergoing preliminary treatments like bone grafts or gum disease therapy.
Dental implant placement begins with your oral surgeon administering a local anesthetic and possibly a sedation treatment to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once the surgical area has been numbed, they will make an incision in your gum tissue, place a titanium post in your jawbone, close the wound, and fix a protective cap on top of the implant. While you may experience some soreness for a few days afterward, it should be mild and easily manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications.
After your implant and jawbone fuse over the following months and you undergo a minor procedure to place an abutment piece upon your implant, you’ll be ready to receive your final restoration. Once your crown, bridge, or denture is anchored in place, you’ll be ready to meet the world with your gorgeously restored smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ashraf Seif earned his dental doctorate from the Loma Linda School of Dentistry and has attended the prestigious Pikos Institute for dental implant training. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Baytown offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your consultation for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (281) 837-9122.