Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For example, once-basic tasks like eating and speaking suddenly become much more challenging. Not only that, but you might feel so anxious about being judged for the changes in your appearance that you avoid spending time with other people.
Your dentist can rebuild your grin with dental implants, but many patients worry that they’re too old to undergo the procedure. Continue reading to learn more about why it’s not too late to be fitted with one or more of these restorations!
What are Dental Implants?
Unlike alternatives like dentures or dental bridges, dental implants include a titanium rod that’s embedded directly into your jaw. Once it’s placed, your bone fuses with the metal in a process called osseointegration. Every time you bite down, you stimulate new bone growth that encompasses your restoration so it becomes a permanent part of your smile.
Then, your dental team will cap it with an appropriate prosthetic, like a dental crown, to close the gap in your grin. Because it’s customized to look just like your natural tooth, the end result is a seamless smile with no one the wiser.
How Does Age Impact Bone Density?
However, for dental implants to be successful, you must have enough jawbone density to support them. Unfortunately, most people’s bone mass peaks in their 20s and then starts gradually subsiding around age 30. Around this age, your body begins breaking down bone faster than it recreates it, resulting in thinner, frailer teeth and bones.
To make matters worse, adults 65 years or older are more likely to experience tooth loss from cavities or gum disease that grow progressively worse over time. The roots of your teeth stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down and chew, and when they go missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year.
Am I Too Late to Get Dental Implants?
If you’re a senior or are worried that your dental condition might preclude your from getting implants, you’re in luck! While you might not be a good candidate immediately, many patients can proceed after undergoing an additional bone graft procedure to bulk up their jaw. Once you’ve recovered, your dentist can place implants to prevent the jawbone deterioration that typically comes with tooth loss to preserve a much younger-looking smile!
Fortunately, there’s no age limit on getting dental implants. If you’re considering these replacement teeth, the best next step is to consult your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ira Goldberg has 30+ years of experience providing a comprehensive array of services to meet all your unique needs under one roof, including dental implants. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Michigan and holds several prestigious accolades, including as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, held by only a few hundred dentists worldwide. He has the training and state-of-the-art technology required to place and restore your implants in the office to streamline your experience. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (973) 313-5314.