Age is not the deciding factor—here's what really matters when it comes to dental implants in Hartford CT.
Welcome to Day 4 of our February dental implant series! I'm a dental implant specialist in Hartford, Connecticut, and today I want to tackle a question I hear almost every single day:
"Am I too old for dental implants?"
I've heard this from patients who are 65, 70, 75, even 85 years old. They walk into my Hartford office worried that they've "missed their chance" or that they're "too old" for dental implants.
Here's what I tell them—and what I want to tell you today: Age is just a number. What matters is your health, not your birthday.
Let me explain what I mean, and share some real stories from my patients right here in Hartford County.
The Truth About Age and Dental Implants Hartford Connecticut
First, let's get one thing straight: there is no upper age limit for dental implants.
I'As long as you're healthy enough for a regular dental procedure, you're probably healthy enough for dental implants.
The youngest age we'll do dental implants is usually around 18-21 years old, because we need to wait until your jawbone is fully grown. But on the older end? There's no cutoff.
I had a patient in West Hartford who came to see me at age 87. She'd been wearing dentures for 20 years and was tired of them slipping, tired of not being able to eat what she wanted, tired of feeling self-conscious around her grandchildren.
"Am I crazy for wanting this at my age?" she asked me.
"Not at all," I told her. "You deserve to enjoy your food and smile with confidence, no matter how old you are."
We gave her dental implants to hold her dentures in place. She cried happy tears at her final appointment. "I wish I'd done this ten years ago," she told me.
What Really Determines If You Can Get Dental Implants in Hartford CT
So if age isn't the deciding factor, what is? Here are the things that actually matter:
1. Your Bone Health
Remember when we talked about bone loss on Day 2? Your jawbone needs to be strong enough to hold an implant.
When we lose teeth and don't replace them, our bone starts to shrink. This is true whether you're 45 or 75. The question isn't "How old are you?" but rather "How much bone do you have?"
The good news? Even if you've lost some bone, we can often rebuild it with a procedure called bone grafting. I've done this for many patients in East Hartford and Hartford County who thought they didn't have enough bone for implants.
What we check:
- How thick your jawbone is
- How tall your jawbone is
- The quality of your bone (dense and strong, or soft and weak)
- Whether you need bone grafting first
Age affects bone health somewhat—older bones can be a bit softer. But plenty of 75-year-olds have better bone than some 55-year-olds. It varies from person to person.
2. Your Overall Health
This is more important than your age. We look at your general health and ask questions like:
Do you have uncontrolled diabetes? Diabetes affects healing. But if your diabetes is well-controlled (good blood sugar levels), you can usually get implants just fine. I've placed implants in many diabetic patients in Hartford with great success.
Do you smoke? Smoking slows down healing and can cause implants to fail. If you smoke, we'll talk about quitting before your implant surgery. Your age doesn't matter here—smoking is a problem whether you're 40 or 70.
Are you on certain medications? Some medications (like certain bone medications for osteoporosis) can affect implant healing. We need to know what you're taking so we can plan accordingly.
Do you have heart disease or high blood pressure? If these conditions are under control with medication, you're usually fine for implants. We might talk to your doctor first, but being older with controlled health issues doesn't automatically disqualify you.
Is your immune system healthy? Your body needs to heal around the implant. If you're on medications that suppress your immune system, or if you have certain health conditions, we need to factor that in.
3. Your Ability to Heal
Here's something interesting: some 80-year-olds heal faster than some 60-year-olds.
Yes, healing generally slows down as we age. But it's not a dramatic drop-off. The difference between a healthy 55-year-old and a healthy 75-year-old isn't as big as you might think.
What matters more:
- Good nutrition (are you eating enough protein and vitamins?)
- Good circulation (is blood flowing well to your mouth?)
- No infections (are your gums healthy?)
- Following post-op instructions (will you take care of the area while it heals?)
4. Your Life Expectancy and Quality of Life Goals
This might sound blunt, but it's important to think about realistically.
Dental implants are an investment that can last 20, 30, 40+ years. If you're 75 years old and in good health, you could easily live another 15-20 years. That's 15-20 years of eating well, smiling confidently, and enjoying life.
Why should you spend those years struggling with dentures or missing teeth?
I had a patient in Hartford who was 8 when he got implants. He told me, "My mother lived to 98. If I live that long, I want to be able to eat a good steak for the next 16 years!"
He had a point.
When Dental Implants Might Not Be Right (At Any Age)
I want to be honest with you. There are some situations where dental implants might not be the best choice, and age isn't usually the reason.
We might recommend waiting or choosing a different option if:
- You have uncontrolled diabetes that makes healing very difficult
- You're undergoing cancer treatment (radiation to the jaw area can affect implants)
- You have severe osteoporosis and are on certain IV bone medications
- You have an active infection in your mouth that needs treatment first
- You have severe heart disease that makes any surgery risky
- You're not able to maintain good oral hygiene
But notice—none of these are about age. They're about specific health conditions. And even some of these can be worked around or managed.
Why Seniors in Hartford Choose Dental Implants
If you're in your 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond, here's why dental implants might be perfect for you:
You're living longer than previous generations. People in Hartford County are staying active and healthy well into their 80s and 90s. Why not have teeth that keep up with your active lifestyle?
You're tired of denture struggles. Many seniors have been dealing with loose dentures for years. Dental implants or implant-supported dentures can end that frustration.
You want to enjoy food again. Retirement should be about enjoying life—including meals with family and friends. Implants let you eat anything you want.
You've earned it. You've worked hard your whole life. You deserve to smile confidently and eat comfortably in your golden years.
You're setting a good example. I've had grandparents tell me that getting implants inspired their adult children to take better care of their teeth.
Special Considerations for Older Adults in Hartford CT
If you're a senior considering dental implants in Hartford Connecticut, here are some things we take extra care with:
Medications: We review all your medications carefully. We might consult with your regular doctor to make sure everything is safe.
Healing time: We might give you a bit more time to heal between steps. There's no rush.
Comfort: We offer sedation options if you're nervous about the procedure. Many older patients appreciate this.
Transportation: If getting to appointments is challenging, we try to schedule efficiently so you make fewer trips.
Cost and insurance: We discuss Medicare (which typically doesn't cover implants) and other payment options that work for people on retirement income.
The Best Time to Get Dental Implants? Now.
Here's what I tell every patient in Hartford who asks if they're too old:
"The best time to get dental implants was when you first lost your tooth. The second best time is now."
Waiting doesn't make things better. Your bone continues to shrink. Your other teeth continue to shift. The longer you wait, the more complicated (and expensive) the procedure becomes.
If you're healthy enough to go to the dentist for regular cleanings, you're probably healthy enough for implants.
Age Shouldn't Stop You From Smiling Again
I've seen too many seniors in West Hartford and East Hartford who spent years thinking they were "too old" for dental implants. They suffered through loose dentures, avoided social situations, and missed out on foods they loved.
When they finally came in and got implants, they all said the same thing: "I wish I'd done this sooner."
Don't let age be your excuse. Don't let another year go by struggling with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures.
You deserve to:
- Eat what you want
- Smile without embarrassment
- Laugh without covering your mouth
- Feel confident in social situations
- Enjoy your retirement years to the fullest
Dental implants can help you do all of that.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Hartford CT
If you're over 60 (or over 70, or over 80) and wondering if you're a candidate for dental implants, there's only one way to find out: come in and let's talk.
In your consultation, we'll:
- Review your complete health history
- Take 3D images of your jawbone
- Assess your bone quality and quantity
- Discuss any health conditions that might affect treatment
- Talk about timeline, process, and cost
- Answer every question you have
No judgment. No pressure. Just honest answers about whether dental implants are right for you.
I've helped countless seniors in Hartford County get their confidence and quality of life back with dental implants. Age was never the barrier—it was just taking that first step to come in and explore options.
The Bottom Line on Age and Dental Implants
You are not too old for dental implants unless your health makes surgery unsafe. And even then, we often have alternatives like implant-supported dentures that require less invasive procedures.
I've successfully placed dental implants in patients from age 21 to age 92. What mattered wasn't their age—it was their bone health, overall health, and commitment to the process.
If you're a senior in Hartford, Connecticut who's been living with missing teeth or struggling with dentures, I have good news: it's not too late. You can still have a smile that works, feels good, and lasts.
Age is just a number. Your smile doesn't have an expiration date.
Let's talk about your options. Schedule your consultation today and let's see if dental implants can give you back the confidence and comfort you deserve.
Your golden years should be your best years. Let's make sure your smile keeps up.