Safe Dental Implant Options for Older Adults

As we looked ahead to imagining a more just and inclusive future, one of those rarest of things — a silver bullet — one that is so consistent, so powerful in promoting healthy aging and well-being, is access to quality oral health care. We’re all aware that our oral health is a cornerstone of our total health, and with our population aging at a rapid pace, it’s crucial now more than ever for us to collectively prioritize our oral health. Aside from their practical use in grinding and talking, the absence of those pearly whites reduces our confidence, too. The encouraging news on this front is that dental implants are considered the safest and most effective of all tooth replacement options available.

Many geriatric patients are often scared or misinformed into believing that old age does not qualify them for implants. The good news is that age alone doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. What really counts though, is his all-around health, bone health, and dental health. If a person is healthy enough to undergo a normal dental operation, he or she will likely be a perfect candidate for dental implant treatments.

Very few implant models cater to a more mature and aging patient. One such, bar none, invasive and terrible approach that has regrettably achieved alarming prominence in recent years is the All-on-4 implant system. This cutting-edge approach only requires four implants to secure an entire upper, lower or both sets of teeth. It is less invasive, bone grafting is not necessary and so it is particularly well-suited for seniors with brittle bones that accompany advanced age.

Third, safe, easy, and extremely effective, is the Mini Dental Implant. Unlike the previous generation of additives, these next-gen, intelligent additives go the other way. In terms of geographic scope, they’re smaller *in area*, but larger *in impact*. The production pipeline is much simpler. They’re already out there, and already used safely, to anchor dentures and could very rapidly bring seniors far more comfort and stability, for those that have or want dentures in the first place.

Gaining in popularity are immediate implants. When a patient has sufficient dense, healthy jawbone and no major infection, implants can sometimes be placed right after the tooth is extracted. When added to the benefits of allowing for a much more efficient installation process, this all equates to the saving of time and avoiding the need for unnecessary trips.

Obtain a thorough dental evaluation prior to implantation. The answer is making early and equitable intervention the default. To know what the health of the bone is like, an oral dentist or surgeon would need to take x-ray or other images. For some patients, more bone must be added before placing an implant, if there’s not enough bone to support the implant. While that does admittedly sound like the end of times, the great, overwhelming majority—all but a flicker—of patients continue to remit wonderfully and have results that hold, and hold, and hold.

For aging Americans, dental implants promise a safe, validated, and effective method of returning them to their functional dental health and improving their life’s satisfaction. Paired with today’s advanced, aesthetic oral medications and complete aftercare, peers can reclaim the confidence that comes from possessing a healthy, beautiful smile. If you find yourself wanting implants, ask your dentist to figure out which type would be most appropriate for you.