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Am I too old for Dental Implants? |
If you’re one of the many seniors in the Tigard, OR area who has suffered tooth loss, you’re not alone in wondering if dental implants are a possible solution for you. Dental implants are a more permanent, comfortable, and attractive option for tooth restoration than traditional dentures, and there is no age cap on who can receive them.
We at Lisa Gitelson, DMD regularly perform dental implant surgeries on patients of all ages. What’s most important when determining if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is your health. Call us today at (503) 985-8945 to schedule your consultation and see if dental implants are right for your smile!
Dental implants are posts or screws made from titanium that are surgically placed below the gumline. The implant substitutes a tooth root, and then Dr. Lisa Gitelson can fix your crown or bridge to the implant. After you’ve healed, the implant will behave just like your natural tooth and blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
We understand tooth loss can be stressful. Whether the result of an injury, decay, disease, or even certain medications, tooth loss can disrupt your health and your life. This unfortunate occurrence is also prevalent among seniors.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has reported that seniors over 65 have an average of only 18 teeth, and a significant percentage have none of their natural teeth remaining. In the past, removable bridges and dentures have been the only solution, but these are often uncomfortable, unstable, and inadvertently contribute to further bone loss in the jaw.
We recommend dental implants for our senior patients because they are effective, and you deserve better. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants have a 97% long-term success rate. Implants are permanent, stable, comfortable, and ultimately contribute to a greater quality of life. You’ll be able to speak, eat, and smile confidently.
Dental implants don’t decay, and you can care for them with the same rigorous dental hygiene that you would your natural teeth. On a biological level, the titanium screw of your implant will fuse to your jawbone. The implant stimulates the jawbone like a tooth root and reinvigorates and strengthens the bone. Dental implants can significantly improve your oral health and quality of life.
Requirements for Dental Implants
The few requirements for dental implants have to do with your health. We’ll consider your general and oral health and speak with you in depth about the procedure before we determine if dental implants are the means to your perfect smile. A certain amount of bone density must be present to anchor the implant, but some patients may benefit from a bone graft before the implant is placed. If you have other oral health concerns, these may need to be addressed before you can receive your implant.
No matter your age, we encourage you to give us a call at (503) 985-8945 to schedule a full consultation to see if dental implants are right for your smile. |
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