Dental Implant over 60
Dental Implants for Seniors
Regardless of the stereotypes, there is no guarantee that a patient will lose all of their teeth and need eat softer foods as they age. In addition, patients who do require a tooth replacement solution no longer have to live with bulky and uncomfortable dentures which need to be removed each night for cleaning. Fortunately, patients who are in good health and have good oral health are good candidates for receiving dental implants, regardless of their age.
A common misconception is that patients who are older, should not get implants. There is no maximum age limit for receiving dental implants. Implants can help patients to regain confidence in their smile and consume their favorite foods without limitations.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease which results in bone loss and brittle bones. The disease is quite common in older people, and is especially prevalent in post-menopausal women. As a result of the disease, women with osteoporosis are at an increased risk of losing or more teeth. Due to the impact the disease has on bones and the resulting bone loss, many patients assuming osteoporosis will prevent them from being a candidate for dental implants.
Patients who have osteoporosis can still make excellent candidates for implants. Dental implants may still be an option even if there is bone loss in the jaw. Once the jaw and implant have fully healed and the patient is able to chew properly, they may be able to improve their nutrition and help to prevent future bone loss.
Life Expectancy
Some older patients consider if they are able to justify the cost of dental implants. The average life expectancy for healthy patients is longer than it has ever been before. While it is nearly impossible to predict and one knows how long they will live, many people are comfortably living well into their late 70s, 80s and even 90s.
There are numerous disadvantages of missing teeth and uncomfortable dentures. In addition to daily meals, social settings and nightly cleanings, it is important to consider how missing teeth or bulky dentures will impact daily living. In most cases, implants involve a few days of discomfort and healing which typically takes a few months. The improvements implants can have on daily living are priceless.
Regardless of their age, any relatively healthy patient is a good candidate for receiving dental implants. Patients who are 85 and 90 years old have received implants and had a positive experience. Although these patients were older, they placed a priority on an improved quality of life. It is critical to be able to enjoy your life, and your teeth play an important role in quality of life. Consuming a variety of different foods without limitations and protecting the remaining teeth and jawbone, all aid in improving the overall quality of life for a patient.
In many cases, patients who do not replace missing teeth or have poorly fitting dentures, need to modify their diet and often impact the remaining teeth. These modifications often involve consuming soft foods and avoiding certain food groups completely. Using the remaining healthy teeth to chew can also result in other dental issues.
Each case is unique and it is important to follow up with your dentist to determine if you may be a good candidate for dental implants. However, your age should not impact whether or not you are a good candidate. Dental implants can aid in improving your overall quality of life and give you the ability to consume the foods you love.