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Yes, older adults can get dental implants. There is no upper age limit. What matters is your general health, your jawbone and the medicines you take. Original Medicare does not cover implants in most cases, but some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits that may help with part of the cost.
Many people assume they have left it too late, or that implants are only for younger patients. Neither is true.
At Brilliant Smiles of Maryland in Reisterstown, MD, Dr. Alex Fishman places implants for patients of all adult ages and makes the teeth that go on them.
No. There is no age at which implants stop being an option. Patients in their 70s and 80s receive implants regularly. Your dentist looks at your health, not your birthday.
Age can still play a small part. In a large 2019 review of implant studies, the most cautious analysis found that about 91.5% of implants in patients 65 and older were still in place after ten years. That is a little below the 93% seen across all ages in the same analysis, and still a strong result.
Older bone can also take a little longer to heal around an implant. Your plan simply allows more time before the final teeth go on.
Most common conditions do not rule implants out. A few need planning, and sometimes a conversation with your physician, before treatment.
The simplest step is to bring a full list of your medicines to your first visit, including supplements.
For many denture wearers, the biggest change comes from implant-supported dentures. A denture that clicks onto implants stops slipping when you eat and talk.
The main options are:
Our guide to dental implants vs. dentures compares these side by side. You can also read about our dentures and dental implant restorations.
Click a photo to see the full before-and-after.
Real Brilliant Smiles of Maryland patients. Individual results vary.
In most cases, no. Original Medicare, which is Part A and Part B, does not cover routine dental care, dentures or implants.
Medicare does pay for some dental care tied to certain medical treatment. Examples include an oral exam and dental treatment before a heart valve replacement or an organ transplant, and treating a mouth infection before chemotherapy. These exceptions are about preparing for or protecting medical treatment. They do not pay for implants.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans only help with costs Original Medicare covers. Since Original Medicare does not cover implants, Medigap does not either.
You can check the current rules on Medicare.gov.
Some do, usually in part. Many Medicare Advantage plans add dental benefits, but what they cover varies widely from plan to plan.
Some plans cover only cleanings and exams. Others include major dental work but cap it with a yearly maximum that may pay for only part of an implant. Some plans cover crowns or dentures but not the implant itself.
Before you rely on a plan for implants, ask it these questions in writing:
If you are comparing plans during Medicare’s open enrollment (October 15 to December 7), check the dental benefit details before you switch.
Usually not. Maryland Medicaid has offered an adult dental benefit since 2023, covering services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions and crowns. Implants are not listed among the standard covered services.
Some older adults qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. If that applies to you, check your current benefits, because coverage rules can change.
You can check the current list of covered services on the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program page.
Most patients combine several options rather than paying all at once. Dental insurance, financing and membership plans can all help.
At Brilliant Smiles, we accept all major dental insurance plans and welcome patients without insurance. We check your benefits before treatment so you know what you will pay out of pocket.
Sometimes treatment can be staged, so the cost is spread over a longer period. Our guide to what dental implants cost in Maryland explains price ranges, and our payment page lists every option.
Much the same as for anyone else, with more attention to your health history and a little more healing time where needed.
We go through your medical history and medicines, and speak with your physician when needed.
A CBCT scan shows your bone, nerves and sinuses in detail.
You get a written plan and cost before anything is scheduled.
The area is fully numbed. Nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation can help you relax. IV sedation is limited to larger cases and arranged when needed.
The bone bonds to the implants over several months. For larger cases, we can 3D print temporary teeth in the office.
Your custom crown, bridge or denture is attached and adjusted to your bite.
If you choose sedation, you will need someone to drive you home. Our guide on whether dental implants hurt explains what you will feel at each stage, and you can read about our sedation dentistry options.
If you are helping a parent decide, you are welcome to come to the consultation with them.
For many older adults, yes. Steady teeth make it easier to eat a varied diet, speak clearly and smile without worrying about a denture moving.
The implant post often lasts for decades. Our guide on how long dental implants last explains what the research shows.
Implants are not right for everyone, though. If dentures suit your health, goals or budget better, that is a good choice too.
At Brilliant Smiles of Maryland in Reisterstown, MD, Dr. Fishman will review your health, your bone and your goals, then explain your options in plain language. We see patients from Reisterstown, Glyndon, Owings Mills and the surrounding area.
Call (410) 833-8380 to find out whether implants are right for you or your parent.
No. There is no upper age limit. Your general health, your bone and your medicines matter far more than your age.
Often, yes. Many people in their 80s receive implants. An exam, a review of your health history and a 3D scan show whether implants are a safe option for you.
Original Medicare does not cover dental implants in most cases. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits that may cover part of the cost. Check your plan’s dental details in writing.
No. Medigap only helps with costs that Original Medicare covers, and Original Medicare does not cover implants.
Often, yes, but the medicines used to treat osteoporosis matter. Tell your dentist about any bone density medicine you take or have taken, so your treatment can be planned safely.
Free implant programs are rare. Dental schools sometimes offer treatment at a reduced cost. Be cautious of any offer that does not explain exactly what is included.
Usually several months from placement to final teeth, mostly healing time. Older bone can need a little longer, and your plan allows for that.
