301 Trophy Branch Dr., Suite 100, Trophy Club, TX 76262 817-678-7395

COVID-19 OFFICE UPDATES

We have reopened as of May 4th!

Learn More About Our Safety Measures

Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you have a few options. Dental implants are the modern-day treatment, providing an alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. This treatment involves the surgical placement of small titanium posts into your jawbone to support your dental restorations. Tooth loss is a common issue faced by older adults. Gum disease, previous dental issues, and even daily wear all take their toll on the teeth over time. However, many older adults tend to think that when they lose teeth, they are too old for dental implants, and can only get a bridge or dentures. At David Crumpton, DDS, we can help to determine if dental implants are right for you.

You are Never Too Old

While it is a common belief that you are too old for implants once you hit a certain age, the truth is you are never too old to enjoy the incredible benefits that this unique treatment has to offer. Today, people are living longer, healthier lives. However, as you age, your risk for tooth loss increases. Many seniors are living with partial or full dentures to replace the teeth that are lost. While dentures have been made to be much more natural in appearance than older types of dentures, even modern-day dentures can affect your ability to enjoy all of the foods you once used to eat with ease. They can also lead to painful sores on your gums if they become loose or move around.

In addition to these issues, dentures cannot stop the bone loss that occurs following tooth loss. Dentures do not provide the stimulation that your jawbone needs. As a result, bone loss continues, which alters the shape of the jaw. Eventually, the denture will no longer fit properly. This leads to the need to have dentures replaced every few years to avoid the ramifications of wearing ill-fitting replacement teeth. Dental implants help to avoid all of these issues and more. They are just as effective for seniors as they are for younger adults in their 30s and 40s and the recovery times are very similar.

What Benefits Do Implants Offer?

Dental implants offer several significant benefits. These include such things as:

•	Looking, feeling, and functioning just like real teeth. The restorations look exactly like natural teeth, mimicking many of the same properties as natural enamel. They even feel exactly like real teeth, eliminating the need to relearn how to speak.
•	Greater comfort. Your restorations are supported by the posts and your jawbone, instead of your gums.
•	Stability. With proper integration into the bone, the posts are stable and can hold your replacement teeth securely in place. They will not slip around or fall out. Moreover, because they are so stable, you can eat all of your favorite foods without fear.
•	Preserving the integrity of your jawbone. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can stop, and prevent, bone loss in the jaw. The posts restore stimulation to the bone. Because of this your jaw maintains its strength and shape, which not only protects your jaw but preserves your facial shape as well.

Am I a Candidate?

Your age is not a determining factor in your candidacy for dental implants. However, there are other factors that are taken into consideration. Common factors that can determine if dental implants are right for you to include:

•	You are missing at least one tooth.
•	Your health.
•	Your lifestyle habits, including if you smoke or drink.
•	The condition of your jawbone.

A thorough oral exam and review of your medical history will help us to determine if dental implants are the best option to meet your needs, no matter if you are in your 30s or your 70s.

You are never too old to enjoy the incredible benefits that dental implants have to offer. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, and if they are the right solution for you, call David Crumpton, DDS today at 817-678-7395 to schedule your consultation.