Dental implants are some of the most popular tooth replacement options, and when you stack them up against the others, it’s easy to see why. They’re strong, long-lasting, and have a remarkably realistic feel.
If you’re on the older side, you may wonder if dental implants are an option for you. If you’re curious, here’s some information that may be useful to you.
Can Older People Get Dental Implants?
Sometimes, older patients are intimidated by dental implants because they involve surgery. However, as far as oral surgery goes, dental implants are one of the procedures you would have to worry the least about. The truth is that patients of any age can get dental implants!
Studies have shown that around 95% of dental implants are successful at 20 years, which means that an overwhelming majority of patients shouldn’t deal with any complications as a result of getting them. No procedure is without risks, but dental implant surgery shouldn’t cause you all that much concern.
What Risks are Associated with Dental Implants?
That said, if you’re at all concerned about the procedure, it may be smart to understand the risks associated with the treatment. This will give you a better idea of what you should look out for, and what you can do to prevent problems.
The primary risk comes from infection. It’s possible for bacteria to slip under the gumline and begin to attack the jawbone that holds the implant in place. This is a condition known as peri-implantitis, and it’s the main reason that dental implants fail.
Who Should Be Careful When Getting Dental Implants?
While age shouldn’t stand in the way of your getting dental implants, there are some factors that should probably give you pause. Infection becomes more likely the longer it takes to heal after the surgery, which means that people with weak immune systems—like diabetics and cancer patients—may have to take extra precautions.
Smokers may also have trouble healing after dental implant surgery, as tobacco can inflame the gums and diminish blood flow to the mouth. For that reason, it’s recommended that smokers quit for two weeks before and ninety days after the surgery.
About Our Practice
We know that Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery can be a little bit of a long name for a dental practice, but that’s because we have so much expertise to share with our patients that it can hardly fit in a title! But we don’t just have clinical knowledge—we put our patients at ease with our impeccable chairside manner. Oral surgery can be stressful, so we pride ourselves on making it as easy as possible for our patients.
If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website. You can also call our Burke location at (703) 425-5010.