Are you considering dental implants but wondering if you have aged out of them? As an implant dentist in Aurora, CO, I often hear this question from senior patients at my practice who are interested in the procedure.
The short answer? Age alone does not disqualify you from implant treatment.
Is There an Age Limit for Dental Implants?
There is no upper age limit. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry confirms that dental implants can be a good option for adults of all ages. What matters more than age is your overall health, jawbone structure, and healing ability.
https://aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/who-can-benefit/
I have placed implants for patients well into their 70s and even beyond. When someone is in reasonable health and has adequate bone, age is rarely the limiting factor.
What Makes Implant Candidacy Different for Older Patients?
A few things come up more often with older patients. Bone density can decrease over time, which may reduce the amount of bone available to support an implant without grafting.
We also need to consider your use of medications like blood thinners and some osteoporosis treatments before surgery. Diabetes can also influence healing and should be well-controlled beforehand.
None of these factors are automatic disqualifiers, however. I evaluate them during your consultation, and in many cases, we can work around them with the right planning.
How Does Healing Work for Older Implant Patients?
Healing may take a little longer, but it follows the same process. The implant integrates with the jawbone over several months before I place the final crown. For most older patients, the timeline is similar to that for younger patients.
The bigger question isn't typically whether you can heal. It's whether the benefits of a stable tooth replacement make sense for your situation—for most patients, it does.
Wondering whether dental implants are right for you? We're happy to evaluate your options. Call Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands at (720)-653-3223