Dental Implant over 60

Dental Implant over 60
A dental implant is one of the most innovative advancements in dental technology. In the past when you lost a tooth that space or gap would be filled by a dental bridge, attached to the two abutment teeth, and floating above the gums. Now we can surgically place a small titanium post into the jawbone. This post will fuse and integrate to the bone. We can add an extension on the post to which we affix an artificial crown. This post acts as a natural root. It delivers stability, biting and chewing pressures and even temperature change sensations. It also stymies jawbone atrophy.
Are There Age Restrictions for Dental Implants?
Any reasonably healthy person at any age can be a good candidate for dental implants. As long as a youngster or young adult have their permanent teeth, they can enjoy the benefits of a dental implant restoration if they have experienced tooth loss. And patients as old as 85 or 90 have had the procedure done as well. The primary determining factor at any age is the integrity of the jawbone.
Osteoporosis and Aging
As a senior a natural occurring issue is osteoporosis. This is a bone disease that causes brittle bones and bone loss, is common in many aging and older people, especially women who have endured menopause. Women with osteoporosis have a higher chance of losing at least one tooth resulting from the disease. Because of the impact it has on bones and bone loss, many people think osteoporosis prevents them from getting dental implants.
In fact, patients with osteoporosis are just as likely to be good candidates for implants as patients without osteoporosis. Even if you’ve already experienced bone loss in your jaw, dental implants may still be an option for you.
Addressing Jawbone Integrity
If an initial evaluation, at any age, identifies a lack of jawbone density, that can now be reversed with a simple bone graft. The bone grafting, powder material is surgically placed and protected next to the jaw and allowed to integrate. When fused, the implant procedure can continue.
Increased Life Expectancy
Do you question whether it is worth the time and energy to pursue dental implants if you are over 60? Life expectancies continue to increase. You very well may have over 20 years to not only enjoy the benefits of a dental implant, but to avoid the hassles of a traditional bridge or that of dentures. Another compromising solution, technology has also given us dental implant supported dentures, a terrific combination of both solutions.
Consider Your Quality of Life
Being able to enjoy your life, no matter the duration, is important. Eating the food you enjoy is a simple pleasure of life. You have spent your entire life working hard and making sacrifices for your family or your career goals. Do you not deserve to enjoy something as simple as eating?
By not getting dental implants, you may be forced to change your diet or overcompensate with your remaining teeth to eat properly. Changing your diet to soft foods or leaving out certain food groups is not good for your health and can make mealtime less than desirable. Chewing with your remaining teeth can lead to other dental concerns later. Both impact your quality of life negatively. Dental implants can resolve both issues.