Dental Implant over 60
While there are some stereotypes which suggest patients will eventually lose all of their teeth and be required to eat softer foods as they age, this is certainly not the case for everyone. Fortunately, patients who are in need of a tooth replacement solution now have solutions beyond bulky, uncomfortable dentures which must be removed for cleaning each night. Patients who have good overall and oral health are often good candidates for dental implants. This is true, regardless of the patient’s age.
There is a common misconception that old should refrain from getting implants. There is no such thing as too old to receive dental implants. Implants have the ability to aid patients in increased confidence, improving their smile and consuming foods without restrictions.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone which causes brittle bones and bone loss. It is especially common amongst older people, and post-menopausal women in particular. Women who have osteoporosis are at an increased risk of losing additional teeth. Because of the impact of the disease and the potential bone loss, patients often assume osteoporosis prevents them from qualifying for dental implants, however, this is not true.
Patients with osteoporosis may still be an excellent candidate for implants. Implants can even be an option when there is bone loss present in the jaw. In reality, once the jaw and implant are completely healed, the procedure may aid in improving the patient’s nutrition and help prevent additional bone loss in the future.
Life Expectancy
In some cases, patients who are older question if they can justify the cost associated with dental implants. For healthy patients, the average life expectancy is longer than ever. Although no one can predict how long they will live, many people are living comfortable and active lifestyles well into their 80s and 90s.
Missing teeth and uncomfortable dentures come with many challenges. Missing teeth and bulky dentures impact many areas of daily living such as meals every day, social interactions and nightly cleanings. For most patients, dental implants result in a few days of discomfort. The healing process typically takes a few months, however, the drastic improvements implants make on daily living are invaluable.
Regardless of a patient’s age, anyone who is relatively healthy can be a good candidate for implants. Patients as old as 90 have had a positive experience after receiving implants. While these patients may be older, they found value and an improved quality of life following the procedure. Your teeth and overall confidence play a critical role in your quality of life and should be prioritized. It is important for patients of all ages to consume a healthy, balanced diet and protect their remaining teeth and jawbone. Implants help make these things possible.
For many patients who decide not to replace their missing teeth or have bulky, uncomfortable dentures, their diet needs to be modified and the remaining teeth are negatively impacted. Patients are often required to consume soft foods and avoiding some types of food altogether. Relying only on the healthy teeth to chew can also cause other types of issues.
Every case is unique. Follow up with your dentist to help determine if you may be a good candidate for implants. Do not let your age dictate whether or not you pursue this treatment option. Implants can help to improve a patient’s overall quality of life and positively improve their confidence.