Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile, they can also affect your ability to eat, speak, and maintain good oral health. For adults, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. If you’re considering your options, this guide can help you understand whether dental implants are the right choice for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once healed, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, providing a secure and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place and designed to last for many years.
Why Adults Consider Implants
Tooth loss is common with age, whether due to decay, gum disease, or injury. Many adults are looking for more stable and comfortable alternatives to traditional dentures. Dental implants offer a secure fit, eliminate the need for adhesives, and help preserve jawbone structure, which can deteriorate after tooth loss.
Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
Age alone isn’t a limiting factor when it comes to implants. Many patients in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s have successfully received dental implants. What matters more is your overall health. Good candidates should have healthy gums, adequate bone to support the implant, and no uncontrolled medical conditions that could interfere with healing.
A consultation at The Dental Office Encino can help determine whether you’re a good fit for the procedure, including evaluating your oral and medical history.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Adults
Dental implants offer several advantages that make them especially appealing to patients:
- Improved stability and comfort compared to dentures
- Better ability to chew a variety of foods
- Natural appearance that blends with your existing teeth
- Long-term durability with proper care
- Support for facial structure by preventing bone loss
For those tired of dealing with ill-fitting dentures or the inconvenience of removable appliances, implants can offer a more permanent and hassle-free solution.
What to Expect During the Process
Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that involves a minor surgical procedure to place the implant into the jawbone. After healing over a few months, the implant is topped with a custom-made crown or prosthetic. Your dental team will walk you through each stage and provide care instructions for a smooth recovery.
Considerations and Alternatives
In some cases, patients may not have enough bone to support implants. However, procedures like bone grafting can help rebuild the jawbone to make implants possible. If implants aren’t the right option, your dentist may recommend other restorations, such as bridges or implant-supported dentures, which also offer improved stability.
Talk to Your Dentist About Your Options
If you’re considering options to replace missing teeth, dental implants are a reliable, long-term solution—no matter your age. At The Dental Office Encino, all implant procedures are performed in-office, so there’s no need to visit multiple specialists. With over 25 years of experience, we provide thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans tailored to your smile, comfort, and lifestyle.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today to learn more and find out if dental implants are right for you.
