Dental Implants for Seniors: Age, Health, Medicare and Options

There is no upper age limit for dental implants (Cleveland Clinic). A review of studies in people aged 65 and older found that about 96% of implants were still working after 5 years, and the authors concluded that age alone should not rule out implants (Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2017). Cost is the bigger hurdle. Original Medicare does not cover dental implants in most cases, but some Medicare Advantage plans offer dental benefits (Medicare.gov).

Do dental implants work for older adults?

Yes, according to the evidence we have. In the 2017 review of prospective studies in people 65 and older, implant survival after loading was (Srinivasan 2017):

The most common problems were loose screws, broken overdentures, clips that needed adjusting, chipped porcelain, and gum inflammation around the implant. A 2018 review of 60 studies in older patients reached the same conclusion: implants in older people are a predictable treatment with very high survival (Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2018). Bone loss around the implants was small: about 0.7 mm on average at 5 years and 1.5 mm at 10 years (Srinivasan 2017).

Health conditions that matter more than age

The 2018 review looked at common conditions in older adults (Schimmel 2018):

• Heart disease: implant survival was similar to, or higher than, in healthy patients.
• Type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease: high survival was reported.
• Cancer: survival was lower, mainly after radiation to the head and neck.
• Bone-strengthening drugs (antiresorptives): patients taking low doses for osteoporosis had high survival. Patients taking high doses for cancer that had spread to bone had a high risk of complications after implant surgery.
• Dementia, lung disease, liver cirrhosis, arthritis: there was no evidence either way.

A separate 2023 review of osteoporosis found no clear difference in implant survival, but slightly more bone loss around implants in people with osteoporosis. The certainty of the evidence was low (Clinical Oral Investigations, 2023). If you take an osteoporosis drug, such as a pill taken weekly or monthly or a yearly infusion, tell your dentist and your doctor before any implant plan.

Other things to raise: blood thinners, uncontrolled diabetes, and smoking. The FDA notes that implant infection may be more likely in people with uncontrolled diabetes or who smoke (FDA). Also think about whether you can clean around implants every day. If arthritis or memory problems make that hard, a design that is easy to remove and clean may suit you better.

How long treatment takes

Plan for months, not days. After the implant is placed, the jawbone needs about 3 to 9 months to fuse with it before the final crown, bridge or denture is attached (Cleveland Clinic). The first round of healing after surgery takes about a week. Cleveland Clinic also lists conditions that can make implants a poor fit: active gum disease, some bone disorders and autoimmune diseases, extensive decay, poor oral hygiene, severe jaw bone loss, unmanaged diabetes, and smoking or vaping. When bone loss is the problem, a bone graft placed first can often rebuild the jaw, but it adds several months to the plan (Cleveland Clinic).

Implant options for seniors

For people with no lower teeth, a 2002 expert consensus called the two-implant overdenture the first-choice standard of care for the lower jaw (McGill consensus statement). If a loose lower denture is your main problem, it is a good option to ask about. To compare fixed full-arch options, see All-on-4 vs dental implants.

You may also see ads for "screwless" implants for seniors. We did not find a medical or regulatory definition of this term in the sources we reviewed. If a dentist uses it, ask exactly what system they mean, and whether it is an implant, an overdenture or a regular denture.

Does Medicare cover dental implants?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B): no, in most cases. Medicare.gov says Medicare does not cover dental services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures or implants in most cases (Medicare.gov). There are narrow exceptions. Medicare may pay for some dental care linked to certain medical treatments, such as dental work needed before a heart valve replacement or an organ transplant, or before cancer treatment or dialysis. It may also pay for some dental services when you are admitted to a hospital because of your medical condition or the severity of the procedure (Medicare.gov).

Medicare Advantage (Part C): maybe. These private plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and they may offer extra benefits, including some dental services (Medicare.gov). Whether a plan pays toward implants, and how much, depends on the plan. Read the plan's dental benefit details or call the plan before you start treatment.

Medicaid: states choose whether to cover adult dental care, and most offer only limited services for adults (NIDCR).

Beware of "free dental implants for seniors"

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says it does not offer dental implants, run clinical trials on implants, or pay for dental treatment. It says ads, emails or texts claiming otherwise are likely fraudulent (NIDCR). For lower-cost care, NIDCR suggests dental schools, where licensed dentists supervise students, federally funded community health centers, and your state or local health department.

Getting implants abroad as a senior

Lower prices lead many retirees to look at Mexico, Costa Rica or Turkey. For prices, see our dental implant cost guide. A few points matter more at this stage of life:

• Your insurance will not follow you. Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S., and Medicare Advantage plans generally do not either, though some offer emergency coverage abroad (Medicare.gov). Our guide to what insurance covers abroad explains the options.
• Bring a full medicine list and a note from your doctor about heart, blood-thinning or bone medicines.
• Plan the number of trips. Many implant plans need two trips months apart, and a bone graft can add time. Ask for the full schedule up front.
• Think about the flight home. Long flights after surgery carry their own risks; see how long after surgery you can fly.
• Line up a local dentist for checkups and cleanings, and bring home the implant brand, X-rays and scans.

Questions to ask your dentist

1. Is my jaw bone enough, or will I need a graft first? Can I see the 3D scan?
2. Would a two-implant overdenture work for me, or do you recommend fixed teeth? Why?
3. How will my medicines, especially blood thinners or bone drugs, affect the plan?
4. How will I clean around the implants if my hands are stiff?
5. What upkeep will I need each year, such as new clips or adjustments, and what does it cost?

Our full checklist of questions works for any clinic, at home or abroad.