Does My 91 Year Old Mother Really Need Dental Implants

Posted by writeradmin

My mother has had bad teeth most of her life. She grew up in poverty and never went to a dentist. When she was finally out of poverty, she spent much of her time saving money out of fear and spending none of it on herself. This is why I have a degree and a comfortable life. So, this dentist is insisting that we make my 91 year old mother to undergo surgery in order to get dental implants. He says it is essential for the health of her jaw. But, I’m more concerned about her general health and ability to survive a surgery at her age. There have to be options, right?

Ellie

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Dear Ellie,

Yes. the first thing I want you to do is never take your mother to that dentist again. Yes, her jaw will slowly shrink after her teeth are removed, but it will take at least ten years for that to make any significant difference to her quality of life.

While the dental implants surgery is fine for most people, your mother’s age is a huge factor. I don’t know her health, but even if she is in good general health, her age alone makes her more frail. Plus, during the healing process there is a lot of chance for infection.

There is nothing wrong with her having removable dentures at her age. Unless your family has a habit of everyone living until the age of 112, I don’t see a reason to put her through that.

This blog is brought to you by a friendly Douglas, AZ Dentist, Dr. Gilberto Tostado.