The best candidates for dental
implants are free from periodontal diseases and have an adequate
amount of bone in the jaw to support the implant. We will be happy
to discuss your options.
(2)
Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
Overall health and a desire to
improve the quality of life are much more important considerations
than age. Back in the 1950’s implant supported replacement
teeth were originally designed as a solution for older patients,
many patients well into their 90’s have had dental implant
treatment without a single problem.
In fact the oldest patient in whom we have placed implants is 93
and the youngest is 17!
(3)
If I lost teeth due to periodontal disease, can I still have dental
implants?
Definitely. Most patients present
with adequate amounts of bone for dental implants, in some instances,
however, more bone is needed before implants can be placed. There
are procedures to graft and regenerate the amount of bone needed
for dental implants. Once sufficient amounts of new bone have been
regenerated, enough dental implants can be placed to support a new
dental prosthesis.
(see Bone Augmentation and Sinus Grafting)
Over thirty years of clinical documentation
has proven the success of implants, with nearly two million patients
treated. In our practice there is a 100% success rate in the lower
jaw (mandible) and 98% in the upper jaw (maxilla).
There is a small possibility that
the implant and bone will not attach correctly or that an implant
will fail after some period of time. If this happens, the implant
can be removed and often replaced by another implant.
Depending upon your condition,
your new tooth or teeth will ideally look, feel and function like
your own. Dental implants currently provide some of the finest restorative
results in dentistry.
The first implants were put in
place 30 years ago and are still functioning. To date, there is
no time limit on the life expectancy of successful implants.
