As time goes by, the leaves fall and grow again on trees, presidents come and go, countries are shaped, there are hundreds of new number ones on the Hot 100, and AI gains even more intellectual power. Despite all of these changes, one thing comes as a fact that will always remain the same: you’re getting old. Your hearing will get worse, your height won’t be as impressive as before, and your skin will start to sag. However, you shouldn’t simply give up on your body. Rather than neglect caring for it because “we’re all going to die anyway,” make sure your years with your body count by taking good care of your skin, your eyes, your heart, and of course, your teeth.

One particular question that many people ask upon the thought of growing old and worrying about their pearly whites are whether they’re too old for dental implants.

Well, the answer is simple: no.

Setting the facts straight

Although every person deserves to have good to great oral health all throughout their lives, the threat of age in terms of how healthy your teeth are is a non-negotiable and something that is very real. It should be known that you shouldn’t give up on trying to maintain your dental health due to age. Aside from gingivitis and tooth decay, Edentulism (or basically “old person tooth problems that result in missing teeth”) is a common problem that affects the oral health, overall wellness, and quality of life of older people. Fortunately, it’s also a problem that dental implants can fix. 

Typically, the solution prescribed by most dentists to cover up and alleviate senior citizens of the effects of Edentulism is a solid pair of dentures; however, dental implants are far more superior in almost every aspect and make living with edentulism significantly easier than you would think. Dental implants are a treatment for Edentulism (and other conditions or situations that involve missing teeth) that are anchored or placed securely into the jawbone, which allows for better preservation of bone density and a more natural feel when carrying out daily tasks. Instead of having to deal with the struggles of using dentures and dealing with the inconvenience of having unnatural-feeling chompers, you may want to consult with your local oral surgeon to see if you’re eligible for dental implants.

The real limitations of getting dental implants

To reiterate the main question that was previously stated, there is no truth behind the common misconception of “being too old for dental implants”, as proper healthcare is for anyone who wishes to improve their oral health no matter how old they might be. The only limitations that might come along with being at an older age and wanting dental implants are the overall health of someone who wants to undergo the procedure as well as whether they can withstand the required surgery. 

If you’re an older person who is considering dental implants, you may want to check out any of these factors that might apply to you before you consult with your oral professional:

• Underlying medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis
• Medications and supplements
• History of surgical procedures
• History of reactions to anesthesia
• History of smoking

Why your jawbone density matters

Aside from the aforementioned factors, you’ll also have to consider one more factor that you (unlike the previously-mentioned criteria) can’t determine on your own: the density of your jawbone. If your jawbone isn’t dense enough, an oral surgeon will have the right to refuse service out of concern for your overall health during and after the procedure, as an ample amount of jawbone mass is needed to properly latch the implants in. If your jawbone density isn’t sufficient, you may be recommended to undergo a bone augmentation procedure before getting a dental implant.