When are you too old for implants?

Grandpa Johann (95) had been wearing a dentutre since he was 60 years old. Due to his constant atrophy, the hold of the denture deteriorated until at some point it no longer held at all. Grandpa Johann lost more and more interest in eating and also withdrew from the socially important lunches together. It was embarrassing for him not to be able to eat his meals and to leave them untouched.

His daughter and granddaughter, who were both dentists, kept having stimulating dental conversations at the table, in which the topic of implantology came up frequently. One day, Grandpa Johann surprisingly spoke up and asked whether this would be a way for him to finally be able to bite into a „Wiener Schnitzel“ (thin breaded slice of veal) again. The two women were speechless at first, but then the “Grandad” became a patient.

Initially, however, there were doubts among his family and close friends as to whether he really wanted to go through this ordeal at his age. But his mind was made up. Even when the appointment had to be cancelled due to a severe attack of dementia, Grandpa Johann surprised his family again with the words: “You and I have the same future. You don’t know when you’re going to die and neither do I!” In doing so, he dispelled any doubts about his health or age.

His granddaughter Dr. G. Schmidt placed two implants and screwed two Steco magnets from the K-Line onto them. These retaining elements ensure that the patient can insert his denture effortlessly and doesn‘t have to search for a long time. The operation was successful and the family noticed the first difference immediately after the procedure – his speech was clear and intelligible again.

In the weeks that followed, everyone experienced the effects of the new denture at first hand. Grandpa Johann took part in lunch again, the time of porridge was over. He also dared to go to the restuarant again and was finally able to eat his beloved „Wiener Schnitzel“ again.

He wore the denture for two years until he died in August 2012 at the age of 98. But he saw the denture as a gift and had a much higher quality of life during this time than before.

Advantages of a magnet-supported denture:
  • Magnetic attachment makes dentures easier to handle and gives older people the freedom to enjoy their meals, including „Schnitzel“, without restrictions.
  • Magnetic dentures not only offer improved stability and fit, but also make it possible to eat with ease and comfort again.
  • This not only contributes to physical health, but also promotes general well-being and quality of life in old age.

You can find the full case report with all the dental steps here: Case report by Dr. Gundhilde Schmidt