Dental implants are a popular form of restorative dentistry. They help people with missing or damaged teeth. They are artificial tooth roots made of aluminum. Your dental surgeon implants them into your jawbone. Once it fuses with your bone, it gives a stable and secure base for a dental bridge or replacement tooth. 

Why Dental Implants Are Popular

Dental implants are popular for various reasons. They are a permanent solution for individuals with missing and damaged teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth, giving them pleasing aesthetics. 
 

They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which often occurs when you have a missing tooth for a long time. Dental implants improve your chewing ability and speech. They make it easier to speak and eat without difficulty.

Dental Implant Procedure and Aftercare

A dental implant procedure involves several steps that are completed over several months. Your dentist will check your oral health to determine your eligibility for dental implants. They may also take X-rays and impressions of your mouth to create a customized treatment plan.
 

The next step of the procedure entails the surgical placement of the dental implant into your jawbone. Your dentist will make a small incision in your gums and drill a hole into your jawbone for the post.
 

After placing it, you will wait several months for the implant to join with the bone. The process is osteointegration. During this period, your dentist will fit a temporary restoration to allow you to speak and eat normally.
 

Once your implant fuses with your bone, your dentist will attach an abutment. It will serve as a connection point for the replacement tooth. Finally, the dentist will secure the replacement tooth or dental bridge to the abutment and complete the procedure.

Is There an Age Limit for Dental Implants?

Getting dental implants has no specific age limit. However, a patient’s age can limit the procedure’s success. Generally, experts recommend dental implants for patients who are fully grown. 

Typically, this means individuals beyond age 18 are ideal. Older patients may have less dense bone, making the implant less successful. But they need not fret: Dental technology is now so advanced, allowing senior patients in their 80s and 90s to receive dental implants successfully.

Factors That Affect the Success of Dental Implants

Different factors can affect the success of dental implants. They include your overall health, gums, teeth condition, and oral hygiene habits. For example, heart disease or diabetes increases the risk of complications during and after the implant procedure. 
 

Additionally, you may have to address oral issues like gum disease before undergoing implant surgery. Maintain good oral hygiene habits, including dental checkups, flossing, and brushing your teeth to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.

Advantages of Dental Implants for Senior Patients

Age can be a factor in determining the success of dental implants. In this regard, older patients have special advantages. Dental implants help improve their oral health and overall well-being. It is vital for older adults with other health conditions.
 

Dental implants can help older adults maintain a healthy diet. It improves their chewing ability and, by extension, their food digestion. It enhances their confidence and self-esteem, especially for individuals conscious of their looks. 

For more on dental implants, contact Le Smile Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at our office in Falls Church, Virginia. Call (703) 534-6226 to book an appointment today.