Yes. Dental implants are effective in older people, whether 85, 90, or even 95 years old, and they tend to heal with the same reliability as in younger patients. Osteoporosis, common in older people, does not negatively affect the outcome. Even with some bone loss, dental implants can be placed successfully.
Comparing implants vs. dentures
Nowadays, dentists should recommend dental implants instead of conventional dentures in every patient. Dental implants are now the standard of care for the replacement of missing teeth. Traditional dentures cause irreversible damage to the jawbone and significantly compromise the patient’s chewing function, and therefore should be avoided.
Is someone too old for implants?
The fact is no age is too old for dental implants. A reasonably healthy person with even a few years of life expectancy can safely and predictably have dental implants and improve their quality of life. There is no reason to let anyone suffer through the last years of their lives by loose dentures and inability to eat, speak, and keeping them from a vital and social lifestyle.
What is the recovery like?
Dental implant placement, when performed properly by trained surgeons, is a gentle procedure. Recovery from dental implant placement is significantly faster and easier than teeth extraction. Some discomfort may last for 3-5 days which is effectively managed by over-the-counter painkillers. The implants typically are allowed to heal for 3-6 months before supporting the new teeth.
What are the benefits?
Dental implants allow patients to eat any food they want comfortably and get the necessary nutrition. Implants effectively support the overlying teeth and prevent them from moving and accidental dislodging. Additionally, dental implants preserve the jawbone and prevent the bone loss that occurs from conventional dentures.
With implants, you can eat well, live well, and stay social, with are essential for older adults.
Contact Cary Family Dental to discuss your treatment plan:
919-371-4428
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
915 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511
