Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
By Edward Farajzadeh | Published on June 16, 2010 | 2 Comments
Dental implants offer a strong, permanent, natural-looking solution for tooth loss. But are you too old for dental implants if you’re over 65? “Any patient at any age can be a candidate for dental implants,” says Edward Farajzadeh, DDS, of A Poway Dental Group. A general and cosmetic dentist in Poway, California, Farajzadeh says that age is not a factor in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. Instead, he says, the patient’s health is the most important consideration.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants, says Farajzadeh, involve the use of an artificial “root,” usually made of titanium, to support one or more replacement teeth. In order to provide stability and strength, the titanium root is placed directly into the jaw bone. Once the implant has been placed, a tooth-like restoration (usually a porcelain or composite crown) is affixed to it. Dental implants, Farajzadeh says, mimic natural teeth in both aesthetics and function. Not only are they extremely durable, today’s implants are also virtually indistinguishable from the patient’s surrounding natural teeth.
Are You a Good Candidate?
There are a number of factors that come into play, says Farajzadeh, when determining whether or not dental implants are right for a specific patient. A patient’s overall health, he says, is of the utmost importance. Osteoporosis, for example, is a common problem. “Osteoporosis or even, in some cases, medication to prevent osteoporosis can interfere with the healing process,” Farajzadeh explains. “While osteoporosis may not exclude you from getting dental implants, we would need to take special measures to address it.”
Sometimes, says Farajzadeh, it is also necessary to address the quality and the volume of the bone that’s available for the implant. In order to ensure the best possible chance of success for the implant, he says, it’s necessary to be absolutely sure that the underlying bone structure is strong enough and dense enough to support the implant. If it’s not, then it may be possible to correct the bone deficiency before implants are placed. Your dentist will talk to you about the options available to you for correcting this type of problem.
Why Should You Consider Implants at Your Age?
According to Farajzadeh, it’s not uncommon for some older patients to initially balk at the idea of dental implants. However, he says, at A Poway Dental Group, he’s been pleased that many of his older patients have embraced the idea and have had very positive experiences with their implant procedures.
If you’re a good candidate, Farajzadeh says, implants offer several benefits over dentures or bridges. First, dental implants do not require the alteration of any of the adjacent teeth. When your dentist prepares your teeth for a bridge, however, the neighboring teeth must be reshaped in order to provide a support system for the bridge. Instead, an implant allows you to preserve your existing natural teeth while still providing a strong, stable support for the replacement.
When it comes to dentures, says Farajzadeh, “The difference is night and day.” Dental implants are permanent, so there’s no need for adhesives, no battling with slippage, and less discomfort. Because dentures are never quite 100% stable, he says, patients often experience decreased bite force and have more difficulty chewing. By contrast, implants offer you increased bite strength and chewing effectiveness, and they don’t allow food to be caught underneath like dentures sometimes do.
Implants also, says Farajzadeh, simply look and feel more natural than dentures. Because success rates are so high, he recommends them to all of his patients who have experienced tooth loss. According to Farajzadeh, “Dental implants are a wonderful way to restore your smile and get your confidence back, regardless of your age.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
“Any patient at any age can be a candidate for dental implants,” says Edward Farajzadeh, DDS …. Instead, he says, the patient’s health is the most important consideration.
Such a strong statement?! How about a 2 months old infant with no teeth? OR a 8 years old boy missing a front tooth? … by the way, they are both very healthy.
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