Am I too old for dental implants?
Age on its own is rarely the barrier. General health, gum health and bone matter far more — and so does what you want from your teeth.
11 October 2026 · 4 min read · Clinically reviewed by Dr Sundeep Solanki, GDC 212282
Many people in their seventies and eighties have implants placed successfully. Healthy bone heals around implants at any adult age; what changes with age is the likelihood of health conditions and medicines that affect healing.
What matters more than age
- Overall health and how well conditions such as diabetes are controlled
- Medicines, including some for osteoporosis and blood thinners
- Gum health and any active gum disease
- Enough jawbone, or whether grafting would be needed
- Smoking
- Being able to clean around implants, now and in the future
Options that often suit later life
For a loose lower denture, two implants with a clip-on denture can make a large difference to comfort and chewing with relatively little surgery. Single implants, implant bridges and full-arch bridges are also options, as are conventional bridges and dentures where surgery is not wanted.
Risks
Surgery carries risks of swelling, bruising, infection and an implant that does not integrate; some health conditions raise these. A careful medical history and a 3D scan come before any recommendation.
Implants in Twickenham
Dr Sundeep Solanki takes time over medical history and options, and family members are welcome at the consultation at 2 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3RY.
This article is general information, not personal dental advice. Treatment suitability is assessed individually at consultation.