Dental Implants and Age: Are You Still a Candidate?
Many older patients assume they are too old for dental implants, but age alone is rarely a limiting factor. As long as you are in good overall health and have sufficient jawbone, implants can be a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our dual-degree surgeons evaluate each patient individually to determine the best approach for implant treatment.
Key Takeaways:
- Age itself is not a barrier to dental implants.
- Bone quality, overall health, and lifestyle factors like smoking impact candidacy.
- Bone grafts or ridge augmentation can make implants possible in patients with jawbone loss.
- Full-arch solutions such as “Teeth in a Day” may be an option for qualifying patients.
- Thorough evaluation by an oral surgeon ensures safe and predictable outcomes.
Does the Time Since Tooth Loss Matter?
More than chronological age, the time elapsed since losing a tooth affects implant eligibility. Jawbone naturally deteriorates after tooth loss, and if the bone becomes too thin, implants may require additional procedures such as a bone graft or ridge augmentation.
Early replacement can simplify treatment and improve long-term success.
Learn more if you Can Get Dental Implants with Bone Loss.
How Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants?
Smoking and tobacco use increase the risk of implant failure. The longer a patient has smoked, the more likely complications can occur. Quitting before and after implant placement significantly improves healing and implant longevity.
Do Age-Related Health Conditions Matter?
While age alone does not increase implant failure, certain conditions common in older adults—such as diabetes or osteoporosis—can affect healing and bone regeneration.
A thorough medical evaluation helps determine if any precautions or additional steps are needed to ensure a successful outcome.
Are There Full-Arch Alternatives?
For patients missing multiple or all teeth, solutions like “Teeth in a Day” may be an option. This approach allows for extraction, implant placement, and a fixed bridge in a single procedure, offering immediate function and aesthetics. Individual evaluation is key to determine eligibility and optimal outcomes.
Dental Implants and Age: Are You Still a Candidate?
Many older patients assume they are too old for dental implants, but age alone is rarely a limiting factor. As long as you are in good overall health and have sufficient jawbone, implants can be a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our dual-degree surgeons evaluate each patient individually to determine the best approach for implant treatment.
For more than 70 years, our practice has been serving Bergen County with patient-centered expert oral care. Our four convenient locations in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood have received a combined 2,000+ Google reviews—and an average rating of 4.9 stars.
Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our number one priority.
Dental Implants and Older Adults (FAQ)
Am I too old for dental implants?
No. Age alone is not a barrier. Overall health and jawbone condition are more important factors.
What if I lost a tooth years ago?
Jawbone may have deteriorated. A bone graft or ridge augmentation can restore the foundation for implants.
Does smoking affect my candidacy?
Yes. Long-term smoking increases implant failure risk. Quitting improves outcomes.
Are full-arch solutions possible for older adults?
Yes. “Teeth in a Day” allows implants and a fixed bridge to be placed in one procedure for qualifying patients.
