Am I too old for dentures with implants? I am 73 years old and have worn dentures since I was 52. My jawbone is thin and worn. My dentist relines my dentures often, but it doesn’t last long. My dentures click when I talk, so I have noticed people looking at my mouth rather than paying attention to what I am saying. I’m becoming more anxious and tired of the embarrassment. My dentist asked me to reconsider dental implants because I refused them three years ago, but is it worth it at my age? Thank you – Laurent, from Maine
Laurent,
One of our dentists would need to complete an exam and a 3D CT scan to determine your eligibility for dental implants, but we will answer your question in general.
Are You Too Old for Dentures with Implants?
You are not too old for dentures with dental implants if you have generally good health and are healthy enough for oral surgery. After missing teeth for many years, most of your jawbone will shrink. Bone shrinkage can prevent your denture from staying in place. You mentioned that your bone is thin, but you may still be an implant candidate. An implant dentist or oral surgeon will review your medical and dental histories. A 3D CT scan gives an implant dentist a thorough view of your oral anatomy and jawbone to determine your options for implant dentures.
Bone grafting
An implant dentist can use natural or synthetic bone and graft it into your jawbone. In three to four months, your body will build bone to support dental implants. Two to six implants can support a denture. You will not have to worry about poor-fitting dentures again.
All-on-4 implants
If you have enough thickness in the jawbone toward the front of your mouth, you may be eligible for All-on-4 implants, a technique that minimizes the need for bone grafting. Your implant dentist will angle the rear implants to increase jawbone support.
Schedule an appointment with an experienced implant dentist to discuss your options for implant dentures.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.