Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

Gum DiseaseHave you ever wondered if there is an age limit for dental implants? Advancements in modern medicine and a better quality of life mean that the average population is now living longer and making the best of their pension years. However, as individuals go through old age, they may start to face new challenges in maintaining their teeth and gums. Gum disease, and the effects of loose dentures, can start to take a toll on their smile.

Many older patients with missing teeth use conventional bridges or dentures, when the truth is that age is not a prohibitive factor for dental implants. Anyone who is healthy enough to have oral surgery can be a possible candidate for dental implants at an implant dental practice such as Orpington Dental in Orpington.

Rather than your age, the criteria for being able to pursue dental implants are related to the state of your health. Patients interested in dental implants should be in good oral and general health, have adequate bone in their jaw and must not suffer from gum disease. Because the titanium in the dental implants fuses with the jawbone, the latter has to be sufficiently thick to support them.

Moreover, if dental implants are fitted in the presence of active gum disease, they will become infected and fail to heal properly. Dental implants are not recommended for very young patients (18 years or younger), whose bone tissue is not fully developed.

Ultimately, the best way to determine whether dental implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with a dentist. They can examine your oral health and help you create a treatment plan for your missing teeth. Even if your bone is deficient or you suffer from gum disease, dental implants might still be possible. Your dentist will recommend a series of pre-surgical treatments, which will increase the success of your dental implants.

No one is too old for dental implants. A healthy person can safely have dental implants and improve their quality of life. With these securely fitted replacement tooth roots and crowns, you can once again bite, chew and speak as if you had all your natural teeth.

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