The dental implant is a perfect example of the innovative advancements in dental technology. Before the introduction of the dental implant when you lost a tooth that space would be filled with a dental bridge, attached to the two adjoining teeth, and suspended above the gums. Now a trained dentist can surgically place a small titanium post into your jawbone. This post will fuse, bond, and integrate to the bone. Next an extension is added to the post to which an artificial crown is attached. This implanted post acts as a natural root. It delivers stability, security, longevity, biting and chewing pressures, and even temperature change sensations. It also wards off jawbone atrophy.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Dental Implants?
Any appropriately healthy person at any age can receive a dental implant. A youngster or young adult that has their permanent teeth can enjoy the benefits of a dental implant if they have experienced tooth loss. And patients as old as ninety have had the procedure done as well. The primary factor at any age is the integrity of the jawbone.
Aging and Osteoporosis
As an aging adult a natural occurring issue is osteoporosis. This is a bone disease that will cause bone loss and brittle bones, is common in many seniors and older people, especially women after menopause. Women with osteoporosis even have a higher chance of losing at least one tooth resulting from the disease. Because of the impact it has on bone integrity, many people think osteoporosis will prevent them from getting dental implants.
A patient with osteoporosis is just as likely to be a viable candidate for an implant as a patient without osteoporosis. Even if you have already experienced bone loss in your jaw, dental implants can still be an option for you.
Addressing The Integrity of Your Jawbone
If an initial evaluation, regardless of age, identifies a lack of necessary jawbone density, that can now be reversed with a bone graft procedure. The bone grafting, powder-like material is surgically placed and protected next to the jawbone and then allowed to integrate. When the graft has fused, the implant procedure can continue.
Increased Life Expectancy
Do you wonder if it is worth the time and energy to pursue a dental implant if you are over sixty? Based on average life expectancy you very well may have over 20 years to enjoy the benefits of a dental implant and to avoid the hassles of a traditional bridge even that of dentures. In fact, another restoration solution, technology has now introduced dental implant supported dentures, a terrific combination of both solutions.
Consider Your Quality of Life
Being able to enjoy your life, each day, no matter the duration, is important. Eating food you enjoy is a simple pleasure of life. You have spent your entire life working on career goals and making sacrifices for your family. Do you not deserve to enjoy something as simple as eating foods you love?
By not pursuing dental implants, you may be forced to change your diet or overcompensate with your remaining natural teeth to bite and chew properly. Altering your diet to softer foods or avoiding certain food groups is not only not good for your health but can also make mealtime less than desirable. Chewing with your remaining teeth will also lead to other dental concerns later. Both can have a negative impact on the quality of your life. Dental implants can negate and resolve both of these issues.