As you get older, your smile will start to change. You may develop chips, cracks, and stains, but many people also experience tooth loss. While missing teeth isn’t anything to be ashamed about, it’s easy to feel self-conscious about them. A great way to replace them is with dental implants, but are you still a candidate for them despite having years behind you? Here’s what you need to know.
Can I Get Dental Implants as an Older Adult?
In short, it’s still possible for you to get dental implants as an older adult. There isn’t an upper age limit to getting a full smile with them, but that doesn’t mean you can immediately get them. Your dentist will want to make sure you’re a good candidate, so they will take a look at your oral and overall health.
This tooth replacement option is surgically placed into your jawbone, so it will need to be dense and strong enough to support it. Dental problems and systemic conditions (like diabetes) are also taken into account. All of these will need to be in great shape beforehand. Don’t fret if they aren’t; you may be able to get preliminary work, such as a bone graft, to become eligible to get a full smile with this treatment.
What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?
Dental implants are often a great choice for older adults in general. You may be missing teeth due to injury and gum disease, to name a few, but even natural aging can be the culprit. Regardless of whether you’re in your 40s to 80s, thousands of patients have chosen this option to get a full smile once again. This has helped them feel more confident showing off their grins, allowing them to talk freely in groups and build better relationships.
Not only that, since they use the jawbone as a foundation, many patients get up to 90% of their original bite force. That means you can munch a wide range of foods comfortably. With the pressure that comes from eating, it also stimulates your jaw, helping keep it strong and healthy. That means you’ll be able to avoid facial collapse, which can happen after a while with missing teeth.
In the end, dental implants can benefit older adults in many ways! You may not be too old to get them, but you will still have to be a good candidate. By talking to your dentist, you can learn whether you’re eligible and how you can get to a full smile you feel your best in.
About the Practice
At Dalton Hunt Dentistry, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Dalton Hunt and Dr. Mark Helms. We are here to help the Raleigh community with their missing teeth by offering reliable options like dental implants. By completing the entire process in-house, you will be able to stay with a team you trust every step of the way. If you are interested in this treatment, schedule an appointment or call our office at (919) 787-8243.