Whether a 70 year old person should get a dental implant is a good question, but it is one that we can’t directly answer. Whether someone ‘should’ get a dental implant depends on many things, and in particular, their own personal choice. What we can discuss in today’s blog is whether it is possible for them to do so and to take a look at any benefits or disadvantages that might affect that decision.
The fact is that dental implants can be placed at any age once the patient’s face has fully developed, usually somewhere around the age of 18 though this can vary from person to person. Given the fact that dental implants can last for a very long time, they are often thought of as a long term solution for a missing tooth. This brings us to the first question.
Dental implants are not cheap but they do offer an excellent tooth replacement option. For most people that attend Blake Dental, this is a major factor and, of course, people do live to be a lot older now and there is a good chance that a 70 year old will get many years of use from their new replacement tooth. The health and expectations of the patient will most likely factor into their decision and we can offer advice and guidance but the final decision must lie with the patient.
Most definitely it is, and many patients in that age bracket find that their new teeth implants give them a new lease of life. Not only does it often bring more confidence, rather than having dentures that move in the mouth, but it enables them to enjoy a social life with the ability to eat foods that are on offer without having to worry if their false teeth will be able to cope with it.
One potential issue, especially in later years, is that there may be insufficient bone for the implant to be placed into. This can happen when a tooth is lost anyway, but age also plays a factor too. If this proves to be the case, we can discuss the option of having a prior procedure such as a bone graft which can then enable the implant to be planted.
Generally speaking, it is younger to middle-aged people who seem more concerned about their appearance and are more likely to have implants rather than dentures or leave a gap in their teeth.
In more recent times though, people are increasingly looking to socialise and mix with others much later in life and can have an active social life long after seventy years of age. Secure dental implants can give you more confidence as well as avoiding the embarrassment of dentures wobbling around visibly when you are eating. There also isn’t the inconvenience of having to soak them overnight like you do dentures. Dental implants are cleaned exactly the same way as your natural teeth with brushing, flossing, and, of course, the regular visits to Blake Dental for check ups and hygienist appointments.
Generally speaking the answer is yes. With all patients, before any implant procedure takes place, we will have a detailed discussion with them and that includes their medical situation. There may be medical reasons why this is not the right choice for you and naturally, we wouldn’t place them then, but would discuss alternative options. In many cases though, there are solutions. For example, if you are on blood thinners, we will monitor the situation and only carry out the procedure when it is safe to do so. We may contact your doctor, with your permission of course, to discuss your condition and you should be confident that we take your safety very seriously as we do all of our Witham patients.
If you do decide that you want to have implants, the first step is to contact us and arrange an initial consultation. This is very important as it includes a discussion on health, an explanation of the procedure and a discussion of cost and any payment plans you might wish to opt for.
We are confident that you will find our implant team to be kind, patient and will not put you under any pressure to have them if you are unsure. It may be that you want to take some time to decide following the consultation and that is fine. We are always here if you decide later that you wish to proceed.
To arrange your consultation with us, please call Blake Dental today on 01376 501688.
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Katie Annabel Blake trading as Blake Dental is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Financing First Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Katie Annabel Blake is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Financing First Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.
