Am I Too Old to Get Dental Implants?

Are you missing one, several, or all of your teeth? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Studies indicate that 26% of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have lost all their natural teeth. While there are plenty of methods to replace missing teeth, one stands above the rest: dental implants. While nearly anyone can benefit from this state-of-the-art treatment, many people wonder if they’re too old for this important service. Read on to learn how old is too old for dental implants—the answer may surprise you!

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Unlike traditional restorations like dentures or dental bridges, dental implants replace missing teeth both above and below the gum line. To mimic your missing tooth’s roots, a small titanium post is surgically implanted into your jawbone. Over the next several months, it fuses with the surrounding bone to essentially become a part of you. This stabilizes the post and provides a firm foundation to permanently anchor your new tooth into place.

Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

Despite the fact that dental implants require a more involved process to replace missing teeth, research suggests that dental implants can be just as effective in older patients as younger ones. In fact, a 2004 study found that after five years, the success rates of dental implants in patients above and below the age of 80 were the same! Instead, your Glendale dentist will look at other factors when considering your candidacy for dental implants, including:

• General health: You’ll need to be healthy enough to undergo minor surgery to have your dental implant placed.
• Oral health: Issues like gum disease and tooth decay can threaten the success of your dental implant, so they’ll need to be addressed first.
• Jawbone density: If you don’t have enough jawbone density to support your dental implant, you may need a bone graft before restoring your smile.

Why Should I Choose Dental Implants Over Dentures?

Dental implants are well worth the extra time and effort. They offer many important advantages over dentures and dental bridges, such as:

• Lifelike appearance and comfort: Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth, so you can focus on more important things in your daily life.
• Restored biting force: Its firm foundation in your jaw allows your dental implant to easily bite and chew your favorite foods, including steak, corn on the cob, taffy, and anything else on your plate.
• Prevent bone loss: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that replicates the missing tooth’s roots, which stimulates blood flow in the jawbone to prevent deterioration.
  Permanent solution for missing teeth: While other options will need to be replaced every few years, you can easily expect your dental implant to last a lifetime with the proper care!

You’re never too old to enjoy the benefits of replacing your missing teeth with dental implants! Talk to your Glendale dentist today to see if you’re a candidate for this life-changing treatment.

About the Doctor

Dr. Ivan Chan, DDS, is a dedicated restorative dentist serving the Glendale community. Growing up in a family of dentists, Dr. Chan developed a passion for dentistry early on. He completed his undergraduate studies at UC San Diego, where he helped run free dental clinics for underserved communities. Dr. Chan then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UC San Francisco, gaining expertise in preventative, restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. He also volunteers his skills on mission trips, including working with the US Navy and providing dental care in Mexico. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys basketball, traveling, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, he can be reached via his website or at 818-243-3838.

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