Often, when people lose teeth with age, they may worry that they are stuck with dentures for the rest of their life. Even if they know about dental implants, they may worry that they aren’t effective for older patients.
Dental implants do require surgery, but you shouldn’t let that scare you away! Here’s why they’re equally effective for patients of all ages.
Can Older People Get Dental Implants?
The procedure for dental implants involves placing a small metal post inside the jaw, then putting a small porcelain crown on top of it. For the most part, these procedures aren’t all that intense—in fact, 95% of dental implants not only succeed, but manage to last for over 20 years. No matter your age, you should feel confident that you’ll be able to enjoy the many benefits of dental implants.
Who Shouldn’t get Dental Implants?
While dental implants are remarkably reliable, it’s worth noting that there are some people for whom the healing process may be a lot slower. This increases your chances of developing an infection, which can compromise both your safety and the stability of your implant.
Diabetics, cancer patients, and people on immunosuppressants may heal slowly and be susceptible to infection after the surgery. If you have that problem, it may be wise to talk to your doctor before getting dental implants.
Smoking also seriously slows the healing process, which is why most dentists recommend quitting before getting the treatment. One Italian study found that smokers were 14% more likely to see their implants fail than other patients. It’s recommended that you quit smoking for at least two weeks before and 90 days after the surgery itself to encourage the healing process.
Why Should I Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an incredible tooth replacement option for people of all ages! Unlike dentures and bridges, these implants don’t have to be removed to clean. They’re also connected directly to the jaw, giving them a much more realistic feel than other tooth replacement options. Finally, dental implants allow you to prevent the bone degradation that ordinarily accompanies tooth loss.
If anything in this blog post has raised concerns for you about whether you’d be able to get dental implants, feel free to bring it up with your doctor. You shouldn’t let age discourage you from getting the treatment you deserve.
About Our Practice
At Plush Dentistry, we know that the stresses of everyday life can easily become overwhelming, which is why we try and make your dental care as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We provide our patients with the highest quality of care in a spa-like environment, complete with private suites, massage chairs, and warm towels so that you can use this opportunity to feel pampered.
If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (469) 256-7098.