Traditional bridges, partials, and dentures have been the go-to solutions to replace missing teeth, but there’s another solution for tooth loss. Dental implants are unlike any other treatment. They have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for decades with the right care. Although you’ve heard about their benefits, you may think you’re too old for dental implants, but this isn’t the case. Age is just a number when it comes to replacing lost teeth with dental implants, but there are a few things you should know.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is unique from any other treatment because it mimics both the tooth root and the crown. A titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jaw to serve as a new tooth root. Your bone must integrate with the post through a process called osseointegration for the procedure to be successful. Once your bone has healed, an abutment is placed on the post to connect a customized restoration.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most people with good oral health and overall wellness are candidates for dental implants if they’ve lost one or more teeth. Older adults are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions or take medications that may interfere with healing or increase the risk of infections. That does not mean you can’t get dental implants. Older patients may require preliminary treatments to ensure the success of your procedure.
Possible Preliminary Procedures
Besides learning more about your medical history, your dentist will also examine your mouth and review a CT scan of your oral structures to determine if dental implants are right for you. It’s not unusual for older adults to require a little prep work before getting dental implants, such as:
- Tooth Extractions: Severely decayed or diseased teeth may need to be removed before getting dental implants.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Your gums must be healthy before your placement surgery. With 50% of adults having a form of gum disease, it’s not unusual to require treatment.
- Bone Grafting: Tooth loss can cause your jawbone to shrink by up to 25% within the first year of missing a tooth. It will continue to deteriorate as time passes. Bone grafting will strengthen your jaw to ensure it can support dental implants.
- Sinus Lift: A sinus lift may be needed when placing implants in the upper arch to prevent them from protruding until the maxillary sinus cavities. It is often used along with bone grafting.
It is never too late to replace your missing teeth. Your dentist will create the personalized plan you need to restore a functional, beautiful smile to be proud of.
About Dr. Joshua Burns
Dr. Burns earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University and has continued his education in many specialties, including dental implants and emergency dentistry. He strives to help each patient achieve their best smile. Request an appointment through his website or contact a Tylan Creek Family Dentistry location.