Are you a part of the 26% of adults over the age of 74 who are missing all their teeth? Then you may be wondering whether you are too old to rebuild your smile with dental implants. The answer? Absolutely not! In fact, this state-of-the-art tooth replacement option is one of the safest available since it holds an impressive 95% success rate. Read on for five qualities of a good candidate, the advantages of dental implants, and how to care for them properly.
5 Qualities of a Good Dental Implant Candidate
While age may not be a factor, there are a few qualities that dentists look for to ensure the dental implant will be successful in the short and long-term. However, if you don’t meet the below condition initially, don’t be discouraged. Your dental team can recommend other tooth replacement options or treatments to undergo beforehand (like periodontal therapy) to help you become a good candidate.
- Sufficient bone density.
- Healthy gums.
- Commitment to oral hygiene best practices.
- No poor dental habits, like smoking or grinding your teeth.
- No pre-existing conditions that can hinder the healing process.
6 Advantages of Dental Implants
Thanks to advancements in technology and innovations in dentistry, patients who are missing one or more teeth can choose from a number of tooth replacement solutions. Therefore, you may be wondering why dental implants continue to be the superior alternative. In addition to being extensively tested, they:
- Can stimulate your jawbone to prevent bone loss.
- Are custom-made to look and feel life-like.
- Require a low-maintenance cleaning routine.
- Can last 20+ years.
- Provide patients with unmatched durability and a strong biteforce.
- Are stain-resistant and cavity-resilient.
Caring For Your Dental Implants
Since a commitment to a consistent oral care routine is one of the requirements of dental implants, it’s safe to say that maintenance is important. After all, a solid dental hygiene regimen is crucial to prolonging their lifespan! To keep your dental implants in pristine condition, make sure to:
- Avoid foods that can compromise their structure (like hard candy).
- Brush twice a day.
- Floss daily.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a vitamin-rich diet.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
If fear of being too old has stopped you from asking about dental implants, you’ll be happy to know that there are no age restrictions. Therefore, there is no time like the present to talk to your dentist about this state-of-the-art tooth replacement solution!
About the Practice
Led by husband-wife duo Dr. Adelina Duka and Dr. Arvi Duka, the team at Framingham Family Dental Care is centered around the philosophy of using the latest technology and a compassionate approach to care to help each patient achieve their smile goals. Whether you are missing one tooth or an entire arch of teeth, their experienced, knowledgeable staff can restore your smile with modern dental implants built to last. Don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 508-626-2402 for more information!