Older adults who have left gum disease untreated can face a real risk for tooth loss. While this is not the only reason a person can lose teeth, it is the number one cause for adults. If you are older, and are interested in addressing the issue of missing teeth, you may have concerns about if you are a viable candidate for dental implants. Dental implants can be an advantageous choice when it comes to securing replacement teeth. You can actually use them to hold a set of complete dentures, as well as to support individual restorations. Your age should not inherently disqualify you from receiving an implant. That being said, there are health factors that need to be considered before you can be approved.
Issues That Can Interfere With Your Receiving Your Implant
One issue that can really complicate if you will receive an implant is the condition of your jawbone. The implant is inserted directly into your jaw; if the bone is deteriorated, or weak, this may be difficult. Unfortunately, because jawbone deterioration can happen in the wake of tooth loss, this can be a real issue. A jawbone graft can have a positive impact on your candidacy. Because the procedure is surgical, you should be healthy enough to undergo surgery.
What Happens If You Ignore The Issue Of Tooth Loss
Ignoring tooth loss can leave you at a disadvantage regarding how comfortably you can bite, chew, and speak. Your jawbone can deteriorate, which can cause a visible change in your appearance. If you have only suffered partial tooth loss, you should realize that you have an increased risk for losing more teeth.
