Is old age a risk factor for dental implants?

SummaryPatient's condition is distinctly different among individuals especially in the elderly. Dental implant failure seems to be a multi-factorial problem; therefore, it is unclear that aging itself is a risk factor for the placement of implants. This review reorders and discusses age-related risk factors for the success of dental implants. In dental implant treatment, chronological age by itself is suggested as one of the risk factors for success, but it would not be a contraindication. In general, reserved capacity of bone and soft tissue make it possible to establish osseointegration in the long run. Rather than aging itself, the specific nature of the disease process, such as osteoporosis or diabetes, and local bone quality and quantity at the implant site, mostly related to aging, are more important for successful dental implant treatment. This review revealed a shortage of published data for the survival and success of dental implants in older patients. More studies useful for evidence-based decision making are needed to assess the survival and success of dental implants for aged patients with a compromised condition.