What People Over 60 Need to Know About Dental Implants
Regardless of myths and stereotypes, losing all your teeth and eating only soft foods is not an inevitability as you age. You do not have to accept a life of flapping dentures that you have to take out each night as your parents or grandparents may have had to. In fact, if you do not have significant health issues you are likely an ideal candidate for dental implants (at any age!), and in fact you are really never too old for implants. You can and deserve to enjoy your smile and favorite foods at any age.
Considerations
There are many influencing factors that go into making a decision about getting dental implants, including issues such as life expectancy, osteoporosis, and quality of life.
- Life Expectancy: Many people might wonder as they are aging about the cost of dental implants, and if the associated costs are “worth it.” Often people will think that because they older that somehow this diminishes a need for certain comforts. Meanwhile, however life expectancies are increasing significantly for people that are generally healthy. While no one can predict exactly how long they will live, many people in their 60s or 70s these days might live another 20+ years. Missing teeth and loose dentures can cause significant hassles. Three meals a day over a whole year adds up to a lot of meals. And a lot of chewing! But with just a few days of discomfort and only a few months for full healing, dental implants can allow a person to chew, talk, and smile comfortably for the rest of a lifetime.
- Osteoporosis: A bone disease that is known to cause bone loss and brittle bones, osteoporosis is fairly common for a lot of older people, and especially women that are post-menopausal. Because of the ways it impacts bone loss and bone strength, many people are under the impression that dental implants are not an option for people with osteoporosis. However, actually, people with osteoporosis are equally as likely to be ideal candidates for dental implants as those without. And even if there has been some bone loss in the jaw, dental implants can still be an option. There have been amazing advances in dental technology in recent decades, so it is important to discuss your options with your oral health care provider even if you have some osteoporosis. In fact, with implants, which allow for proper chewing, nutrition is often improved and this can help prevent future and/or further bone loss.
- Quality of Life : Most generally healthy people of any age can consider dental implants. People 85 and 90 have undergone dental implant procedures. An improvement to quality of life at any age is important. And in fact, especially as we age. Dental implants can allow people to enjoy a healthy diet as well as increased nutrition which is an essential part of living a comfortable and quality life.
Summary
While every situation is different, dental implants can be a great choice for many people. There is no “appropriate” age for implants, and age should not be a limiting factor if and when you are considering dental implants. Dental implants can help support healthy chewing, nutrition, and help people feel comfortable speaking and talking. All of these are healthy aspects of living a quality life. If you are considering implants consult with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate.