Am I Too Old for Dental Implants? A Guide for Patients Over 70

It is one of the most common questions we hear from patients in their seventies and beyond: am I too old for dental implants? It is a perfectly understandable concern. Many people assume there must be an upper age limit, or that implant treatment is only suitable for younger adults.

The short answer is that age alone does not usually determine whether someone is suitable for dental implants. Many factors play a role — including overall health, bone levels, gum condition and the ability to maintain the implant long term. This article explores how these factors fit together and what older adults in London should consider when thinking about implant treatment.

As with all dental treatment, suitability can only be confirmed following an individual assessment by a dentist. The information below is intended as general guidance, not a substitute for personalised clinical advice.

Is There an Age Limit for Dental Implants?

There is usually no strict upper age limit for dental implants. Patients in their seventies, eighties and even nineties have been successfully treated with implants when their overall health and oral condition have been appropriate. The published dental literature includes many examples of older adults benefiting from implant-supported teeth and dentures.

What matters more than the number on a birth certificate is the individual's general fitness for a minor surgical procedure, the quality and quantity of bone available in the jaw, the health of the gums, and whether the patient can maintain adequate oral hygiene around the implant once it is in place.

If you are over 70 and have been wondering whether dental implants for older adults might be an option for you, it is entirely reasonable to ask. A thorough consultation at a dental implants in London clinic will give you a clear, honest answer based on your individual circumstances.

Health and Medication Considerations in Later Life

Before recommending implant treatment for any patient, a dentist will consider their wider medical history. This is particularly important for older adults, who may be managing one or more long-term health conditions.

Factors your dentist may take into account include:

• Cardiovascular conditions — well-controlled blood pressure and heart conditions are not usually a barrier, but your dentist may wish to liaise with your medical team before treatment
• Diabetes — well-managed diabetes is generally compatible with implant treatment, though poorly controlled blood sugar levels can affect healing
• Medications — some medications, such as blood thinners or certain treatments for osteoporosis (bisphosphonates), may need to be considered as part of treatment planning
• Mobility and overall fitness — the procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthetic and does not require general fitness for major surgery, but the dentist will assess whether you are comfortable attending appointments and managing post-operative care
• Cognitive health — the ability to understand and follow aftercare instructions, and to maintain daily cleaning routines, is an important consideration

Many older adults have stable, well-controlled health conditions that are entirely compatible with implant treatment. Where there is any uncertainty, your dentist may contact your GP or medical consultant to discuss your fitness for the procedure. This collaborative approach helps ensure that treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

Bone Levels After Years of Tooth Loss or Denture Wear

One of the factors that can affect implant suitability at any age — but is particularly relevant for older adults — is the condition of the jawbone. When teeth have been missing for many years, the bone in that area can gradually lose volume. This process, known as resorption, is a natural consequence of the bone no longer being stimulated by the roots of teeth.

Long-term denture wear can also contribute to bone loss, particularly in the lower jaw. Over time, this can make the jaw narrower or shallower, which may affect whether there is enough bone to support an implant without additional treatment.

If bone levels are reduced, your dentist may discuss whether a bone grafting procedure could help build up the area before or during implant placement. These procedures are well established and can sometimes make implant treatment possible where it might not otherwise have been. However, they add time and complexity to the overall treatment plan, and are not always necessary or appropriate.

For patients who have been replacing missing teeth in older adults with dentures for many years, the current state of the bone will be assessed carefully as part of the consultation.

Gum Health and History of Gum Disease in Older Adults

Healthy gums are important for the long-term success of dental implants at any age. Gum disease — particularly the more advanced form known as periodontitis — can weaken the tissues and bone that support both natural teeth and implants.

Many older adults have a history of gum disease, even if it has been treated in the past. This does not automatically rule out implant treatment, but it does mean that extra care is needed. Your dentist will assess the current health of your gums and may recommend a course of gum treatment or a period of stabilisation before any implant work begins.

Once implants are in place, regular hygiene appointments are essential to monitor the gum tissue around the implants and to remove any plaque or calculus that could lead to peri-implant inflammation. Good plaque control at home — achieved through careful brushing and interdental cleaning — is equally important.

The key message is that gum stability and consistent cleaning are what matter, rather than whether gum disease has occurred in the past. With the right ongoing care, many patients with a history of gum problems can maintain healthy implants.

Daily Care and Support with Cleaning

Dental implants require daily cleaning, just like natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and using interdental brushes, floss or a water flosser to clean around the implant and any attached restoration.

For some older adults, dexterity, eyesight or other physical factors may make fine motor tasks more challenging. This is something your dental team will take into account when planning treatment. If there are concerns about your ability to clean around an implant effectively, options may include:

• Recommending specific cleaning tools that are easier to hold and manoeuvre, such as electric toothbrushes with larger handles or angled interdental brushes
• Providing hands-on demonstrations of cleaning techniques at your hygiene appointments
• Involving a family member or carer in understanding the cleaning routine, so they can offer support if needed
• Scheduling more frequent hygiene appointments to supplement home care

The goal is to find a practical, sustainable cleaning routine that works for you. Your dental team would rather work with you to find solutions than exclude you from treatment because of concerns that can often be managed.

Dental Implants vs Dentures for People Over 70

Many older adults have worn dentures for years and may be wondering whether implants could offer an improvement. Others may be facing tooth loss for the first time and want to understand their options.

Traditional denture options for older adults remain a valid and effective choice for many people. Well-made dentures can restore appearance and chewing function, and modern materials and techniques have improved their comfort and fit significantly.

However, some patients find that their dentures become loose over time — particularly lower dentures — as the underlying bone changes shape. This can affect eating, speaking and confidence. In these cases, implant-retained dentures in London may be worth considering. This approach uses a small number of implants to clip or lock a denture into place, providing greater stability without the need for adhesives.

For patients missing most or all of their teeth, full arch dental implants such as All-on-4 offer a fixed, non-removable solution. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who struggle with traditional dentures, though it involves a more extensive treatment process.

Both pathways — updated dentures and implant-supported options — can be appropriate depending on the individual's oral health, medical history, personal preferences and budget. There is no single "right" answer for everyone.

Planning Treatment Around Lifestyle and Recovery

Practical considerations matter, especially in later life. When planning implant treatment for older adults, it is helpful to think about:

• Travel to and from appointments — you may prefer to have someone accompany you, particularly on the day of surgery. Our clinic in South Kensington is accessible by public transport, but arranging a lift or taxi can make the day easier
• Support at home after treatment — having a family member or friend available for the first day or two can be reassuring, even though most patients manage well with straightforward aftercare
• Allowing time for healing — recovery from implant placement is generally manageable, but it is sensible to keep your schedule light for a few days afterwards and to avoid strenuous activity as advised by your dentist
• Scheduling around other commitments — if you have regular medical appointments, social commitments or planned travel, let your dental team know so they can plan the treatment timeline around your life

Family members are welcome to attend consultations and to be involved in discussions about treatment options. Many patients find it helpful to have someone with them to listen, take notes and ask questions.

When Dental Implants Might Not Be Recommended in Later Life

While many older adults are suitable for implant treatment, there are circumstances where a dentist may advise against it. These might include:

• Severe uncontrolled medical conditions — such as unmanaged diabetes, active cancer treatment, or conditions that significantly impair healing
• Inability to maintain adequate oral hygiene — if cleaning around the implant is not feasible, the risk of peri-implant disease may outweigh the potential benefits
• Significant cognitive decline — where the patient may not be able to understand or consent to treatment, or to cooperate with aftercare
• Insufficient bone that cannot be augmented — in some cases, bone loss may be too extensive for grafting to be a practical option
• Patient preference — some people simply prefer not to undergo a surgical procedure, and that is a perfectly valid choice

In these situations, alternatives such as well-fitting new dentures, relines of existing dentures, or other non-surgical options may be recommended. The aim is always to provide safe, maintainable care that improves the patient's quality of life — whatever form that takes.

A good dentist will never pressure you into treatment. If implants are not the right option for you, they will explain why and discuss what else can be done.

Next Steps — Discuss Dental Implants in Later Life

If you are over 70 and have been wondering whether dental implants might be suitable for you, the next step is to have a conversation with a dentist who can assess your individual situation. During your consultation, the dentist will examine your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss the options that are realistic and appropriate for you.

If implant treatment is suitable, you will receive a written treatment plan outlining what is involved, the expected timeline and the costs. If implants are not the right fit, your dentist will explain the reasons and suggest alternatives that may serve you well.

There is no obligation to proceed with any treatment, and we encourage you to take as much time as you need to consider your options. Family members are welcome to attend and to ask questions on your behalf.

To get started, please arrange an appointment to discuss implants in later life. Our CQC-registered team in South Kensington is here to help you explore your options in a calm, supportive setting.

This article provides general information about dental implants for older adults and is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice. Suitability for implant treatment depends on individual health, oral condition and other factors that can only be assessed in person. Please consult your dentist for guidance specific to your situation.