Implants for the aged patient: biological, clinical and sociological considerations

Until recently, age, particularly old age, was considered a contraindication to the placement of dental implants. However, this was based largely on anecdotal dogma rather than on empirical information. This review considers the biological, clinical and socio-economic implications of implants placed in the aged population. Aging has been shown to have an influence on the biological aspects of soft- and hard-tissue wound healing and tissue remodeling, which may influence the establishment and maintenance of implant integration. However, information to date indicates that age should not be an a priori contraindication for implant placement and there is good evidence to indicate that dental implants can be placed successfully in the elderly with good clinical and socio-economic outcomes.