Living with missing teeth is not your idea of a rewarding life. However, you’ve come to accept this as your fate. After all, you’re too old to make any changes – right? If this is how you’ve been thinking, then hold your horses. You’ll be surprised to learn that age actually isn’t a barrier to restoring your smile. As you continue reading, learn about the timeless benefits of dental implants!
Is There an Age Limit for Dental Implantation?
When it comes to dental implantation, there is absolutely no age restriction. In fact, the procedure is especially beneficial for older patients, as it helps them regain the lives they once had. And by restoring up to 95% of the original chewing capacity, implants allow you to eat the foods you love. Additionally, you can look forward to better digestion and improved nutrient absorption.
What’s More Important Than Age?
Dental implantation is highly successful, and one of the reasons for this is the careful approach that dentists take in the preliminary stages. Before any work commences, you’ll undergo a thorough assessment to make sure you have sufficient oral health and enough jawbone density to support an implant. If there are signs of gum disease or other issues, they will need to be treated before any further steps are taken.
In situations where there is a shallow jawbone, a bone grafting procedure will be the typical remedy. This involves transporting bone material from another part of your body or inserting an artificial substitute to build up the treatment area.
The Details of the Dental Implant Process
For dental implantation to be successful, a series of steps are mapped out. Here’s what you can expect:
- Implant insertion – After numbing the treatment area, the dentist will make a small incision and insert the implant into the jawbone.
- Healing – It typically takes a few months to heal from the surgery and for the implant to fuse with the existing bone.
- Abutment placement – After you’ve healed, an abutment will be added. Usually made of titanium, it will be anchored to the implant to allow the restoration to be securely attached.
- Restoration placement – Depending on the number of teeth you’re having replaced, the dentist will custom craft a crown, bridge or overdenture to be permanently attached.
It’s empowering to know that there is still a way to reinvigorate your smile, regain functionality and boost your confidence. However, you likely still have several questions about having dental implants placed. Reach out to a local dentist to request a visit and get even more details about the procedure. By taking action today, you lay pour the foundation for a brighter tomorrow!
About the Author
A graduate of the Nova Southeastern University Dental School, Dr. Patrick Pirkle is an experienced and passionate dentist. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence by taking several hours of continuing education, allowing him to provide comprehensive and competent care. Additionally, Dr. Pirkle maintains membership with the American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry. He restores smiles with dental implants at Sebastian Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.