If you’re living with missing teeth, dental implants are the best replacement method available. However, because of your age, you may feel that you’re ineligible for the procedure. Thus, you think dentures are your only option. A local dentist says don’t limit yourself. As you continue reading, get the real scoop on how much age factors into dental implant eligibility!
What’s the Age Limit for Dental Implant Placement?
The first thing you need to know about dental implants is that there are no age restrictions. In actuality, the procedure is especially beneficial for older patients, as it helps them regain the lives they once had. And by restoring up to 95% of the original chewing capacity, implants contribute to better satiation, digestion and improved nutrient absorption.
This is More Important Than Age
Before the dental implant process gets underway, your dentist will perform a thorough assessment to make sure you have sufficient oral health and enough jawbone density to support an implant. If there are signs of gum disease or other issues, they will need to be treated before any further steps are taken.
In situations where there is a shallow jawbone, a bone grafting procedure will be the typical remedy. This involves transporting bone material from another part of your body or inserting an artificial substitute to build up the treatment area.
What the Dental Implantation Procedure Entails
Here’s what you can expect from the dental implant process:
- Implant insertion – After numbing the treatment area, the dentist will make a small incision and insert the implant into the jawbone.
- Healing – It typically takes a few months to heal from the surgery and for the implant to fuse with the existing bone.
- Abutment placement – After you’ve healed, an abutment will be added. Usually made of titanium, it will be anchored to the implant to allow the restoration to be securely attached.
- Restoration placement – Depending on the number of teeth you’re having replaced, the dentist will custom craft a crown, bridge or overdenture to be permanently attached.
With dental implants, you can look forward to eating many of the foods you may have been forced to give up. Additionally, you’ll have a brand-new, natural-looking smile that you’ll be eager to show to the world. It starts with contacting an implant dentist to request an initial visit. This is the first step to experiencing a blissful future!
About the Author
Dr. D. Michael Miller earned his dental degree from Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. A compassionate dentist, he sympathizes with older patients who are living with missing teeth, and he offers effective solutions. Always careful to explain every step of the process, Dr. Miller offers dental implantation at his private practice that provides a safe and effective way to rebuild a smile. He can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.