Dental Implants Over 60: Are You Too Old? The Evidence Says No

The Most Common Question We Hear

“Am I too old for dental implants?” It is one of the most frequently asked questions in implant dentistry. The concern is understandable: dental implant placement is a surgical procedure that involves drilling into the jawbone and waiting for the implant to fuse with the bone over several months. Surely, the thinking goes, this must be harder for older patients.

The evidence tells a different story. Multiple systematic reviews and long-term clinical studies confirm that dental implants are safe and effective for patients well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond.

What the Research Actually Shows

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in Clinical Oral Implants Research (one of the top peer-reviewed journals in implant dentistry) examined implant survival rates across different age groups. The findings were clear:

• 1-year survival rate in patients 65+: 97.7%
• 3-year survival rate: 96.3%
• 5-year survival rate: 96.2%
• 10-year survival rate: 91.2%

These figures are comparable to implant success rates in the general population. A separate long-term follow-up study reported an overall survival rate of 92.9% in elderly patients, with another retrospective analysis finding survival rates of 95.4% at the implant level.

A 2025 systematic review specifically compared patients aged 65–75 with those over 75. The conclusion: dental implants are a reliable treatment for older adults, including those over 75. While the older group showed slightly more plaque accumulation and gingival bleeding, peri-implant bone levels remained stable — meaning the implants themselves held firm.

Age Is Not the Risk Factor You Think

The research consistently shows that chronological age alone is not a significant risk factor for implant failure. What matters far more are:

• Bone quality and quantity: The jawbone needs to be sufficient to support the implant. This is assessed with a CBCT (3D) scan before treatment.
• Systemic health conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications (particularly bisphosphonates for osteoporosis) need to be carefully managed.
• Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene after implant placement is essential at any age.
• Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure regardless of age.

In other words, a healthy 75-year-old non-smoker with adequate jawbone is a better implant candidate than a 45-year-old smoker with uncontrolled diabetes.

Common Concerns Addressed

Bone density and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a legitimate concern, but it does not automatically exclude you from implant treatment. The jawbone is often less affected by osteoporosis than the hip or spine. Your dentist will evaluate your bone with a CBCT scan and can recommend solutions if bone volume is insufficient:

• Bone grafting: Adding bone material to build up the implant site
• Shorter or wider implants: Designed to work with less bone height
• Zygomatic implants: Anchored in the cheekbone for upper jaw cases with severe bone loss
• All-on-4 technique: Uses angled implants to maximise contact with available bone

Blood thinners and medications

Many older patients take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin. These need to be managed carefully around the time of surgery, but they do not prevent implant treatment. Your dentist and physician will work together to plan the safest approach, which may involve temporarily adjusting medication or using specific protocols to manage bleeding.

Healing time

Older patients may heal slightly more slowly than younger patients. The standard healing period for implant integration (osseointegration) is 3–6 months. For older patients, your dentist may recommend a slightly longer healing period of 4–6 months before placing the final restoration. This is a matter of patience, not a barrier to treatment.

Diabetes

Well-controlled diabetes (HbA1c below 7–8%) does not significantly increase implant failure risk. Uncontrolled diabetes, however, impairs healing and increases infection risk. If your diabetes is well managed, you remain a good candidate for implants.

Quality of Life: The Real Reason to Consider Implants

The quality-of-life benefits of dental implants are particularly significant for older patients:

• Better nutrition: Implant-supported teeth allow you to eat a full range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and proteins that are difficult with dentures. Proper nutrition is critical for health in later years.
• Improved speech: Loose dentures often cause slurring or mumbling. Implants are fixed and stable.
• Preserved bone: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that accelerates with missing teeth and dentures.
• Confidence and social engagement: Many older patients report that ill-fitting dentures cause embarrassment and social withdrawal. Implants restore confidence.
• Convenience: No adhesives, no removal for cleaning, no worry about dentures slipping during meals or conversation.

The Assessment Process

At Empire Dental Clinic, every implant case begins with a thorough assessment regardless of age:

• Medical history review: We assess all medications, conditions, and health factors
• CBCT 3D scan: Digital imaging to evaluate bone volume, density, and anatomy
• Treatment planning: We design a personalised plan that accounts for your specific health profile
• Physician coordination: For patients on blood thinners or with complex medical histories, we coordinate with your doctor

You Are Not Too Old

The clinical evidence is overwhelming: age is not a barrier to dental implants. Patients in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s have received successful implants that dramatically improved their quality of life. The decision should be based on your overall health, bone condition, and personal goals — not your age.

If you have been told you are “too old” for implants, or if you have been hesitating because of your age, we encourage you to seek a second opinion. At Empire Dental Clinic in Tirana, we welcome patients of all ages and provide honest, evidence-based assessments. Contact us for a free consultation to find out whether dental implants are right for you.