Can Patients Over 65 Years Have Dental Implants? Dr. Wayne Sutton Explains

Despite the advancements in dental technology, tooth loss is still a common occurrence among many patients. Aging is one of the leading factors for tooth loss because of periodontal disease, wobbly teeth, and jawbone degradation. When senior citizens are faced with tooth loss, one of the considerations is whether to replace the tooth or not. 

Dentures are the most common tooth replacements for senior citizens. But what if you want dental implants? Are you too old for implants? Dr. Wayne Sutton in Sonoma Smiles, Rohnert Park, California, has over 20 years of experience in implantology. Please keep reading to hear what he has to say about dental implants for seniors. 

Dentures vs. dental implants for seniors

You’ve probably seen your grandmother wear dentures. Dentures have been around for decades and can help restore your smile’s function and appearance. A denture is a set of artificial teeth resting on a gum-colored base. Traditional dentures are created after taking your bite impressions and are held in place with adhesives or suction. 

Although dentures are excellent in replacing teeth, their long-term use can cause irreparable damage to your gums and supporting jawbone. Since this can cause prolonged oral disability, elderly patients now seek predictable, reliable, and comfortable restorations. 

Unlike dentures, dental implants replace your entire tooth from the root to the crown. An implant consists of three components: the implant post, an abutment, and a dental prosthetic. 

A medical-grade titanium post is buried into your jawbone to act as an artificial root. On top of it, we attach an abutment that absorbs the chewing forces and adds length to your implant. The final piece of an implant is a crown or other restoration that restores your smile’s appearance and function.

Since dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, they remain stable when eating, talking, or smiling. Unlike dentures, you can use your implanted teeth confidently without worrying about your restorations flying out!

Dental implants for the elderly

There is no age too old for dental implants. A reasonably healthy person can predictably and safely benefit from traditional dental implants. Dental implants don’t just restore your smile’s beauty and function — the dental implant stimulates your jawbone like your natural teeth to halt bone resorption. Preserving your jawbone’s volume and density maintains your facial structure, shaving years off your face.

However, since senior citizens may have severe bone loss, you may wonder whether they can still benefit from implants. The short answer is YES. Patients with jawbone loss in the upper jaw can benefit from zygomatic implants. Zygoma implants are placed in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) instead of the jawbone. This procedure is safe and predictable when carried out by qualified medical personnel.

Benefits of dental implants for senior citizens

Although tooth loss can deny you happiness, dental implants can reverse all that. 

The following are the benefits of dental implants for seniors:

• Restored ability to eat and speak without difficulty
• Prevent bone atrophy by stimulating the jawbone
• Maintain the facial structure
• Stability when eating, talking, or laughing
• Restored self-confidence
• Improved quality of life, physically and mentally
• No need for periodic adjustments, unlike dentures
• No gum irritation or sores
• Durable restorations

Enjoy a complete smile, even in your golden years

If you are medically sound, dental implant treatment is successful for seniors, just like other patients. 

So, whether you are 65, 70, or over 80, please call (707) 868-0666 to schedule an appointment with Sonoma Smiles in Rohnert Park, CA, for implant therapy.