Is There an Upper Age Limit for Dental Implants?

Dental implants have long been considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth; they’re able to effectively restore a smile in terms of look, feel, and functionality! But is this incredible solution suitable for all patients, or do certain limitations such as age affect dental implant eligibility? Keep reading to learn more about how dental implants in Edmonton remain an excellent treatment option for patients of virtually all ages, along with some of the priceless benefits that they have to offer.

No, You Aren’t Too Old for Dental Implants

Simply put, no age is too old for dental implants—assuming your dentist can deem you healthy enough for the procedure! In fact, a study in 2004 compared the implant success rates across two different groups: one group consisting of patients with implants all over the age of 80, and the other including patients with implants all younger than 80.

The study found that both groups had similar dental implant success rates, meaning that age is mostly irrelevant when considering dental implant candidacy. Of course, it’s still worth noting that as patients age, dental care often becomes increasingly difficult, and poor oral hygiene is still a very relevant factor that contributes to implant failure.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Even though there’s no upper age limit for getting dental implants, not just anybody can receive them; your dentist must first check for a few things. They have to ensure that you’re generally healthy, and this includes your oral health. If your gums are compromised due to something like gum disease, you won’t be able to receive implants until the issue has been resolved.

Similarly, if your jawbone lacks sufficient density to support implants, a bone graft might be necessary. Even specific medications can affect your candidacy for dental implants. It’s also worth noting that younger patients typically aren’t good candidates for implants, as the jaw often continues to grow and change throughout the teenage years. In any case, your dentist is the only one who can determine if dental implants are a viable solution for your smile.

4 Priceless Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants can offer patients of all ages several incredible benefits, such as:

• Impressive durability and longevity – Implants are crafted from strong, biocompatible materials that fuse with your jawbone for a lasting connection; they can last for several decades with proper care.
• Jawbone preservation – Your teeth are responsible for stimulating your jawbone in order to prevent it from deteriorating prematurely; since dental implants are surgically embedded into the jaw, they can provide this stimulation.
• Natural-looking – Implants aren’t just about functionality—they look exactly like your natural teeth! They can also make your face appear fuller, often giving you a more youthful appearance.
• Easy to maintain – Implants don’t require any specialized care or maintenance; simply clean them as you would your natural teeth by brushing and flossing daily. You should also regularly visit your dentist so they can inspect their integrity.

About the Practice

The team at Sherbrooke Family Dental is honored to serve patients and families in the Edmonton, AB area under the leadership of three skilled specialists: Dr. Dalal Fawzi, Dr. Hanin Musbah, and Dr. Alaa Musbah. Their practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services including dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for additional assistance: +1 780-455-8124.