Age Restrictions for Getting Dental Implants
At Dental Implant Center here in Los Algodones, we always want to make sure patients are well-informed about their treatment options. By known the risks and benefits of dental care solutions, patients are able to make empowered decisions about the health and beauty of their smiles.
When it comes to the risks and benefits of dental implants, there are many considerations to weigh. Age is one potential factor to keep in mind when deciding if implant dentistry is right for you. Let's look at the issue of age and dental implants candidacy.
Can Someone Be Too Young for Dental Implants?
Yes, someone can definitely be too young for dental implants.
An obvious example is infants and toddlers. They don't even have their baby teeth yet, so placing dental implants this early in life is dangerous and foolhardy. You can also rule out children in the K-6 age range and middle school. Many of these children and pre-teens are just getting their permanent teeth in place.
Yet even when children have their permanent teeth in place, it could be too soon for dental implants. Teenagers are nearing adulthood, but they are still maturing. Their jaw and gum tissue and body is still growing and changing. Since dental implants are meant to be a permanent solution to tooth loss, it's important that they be placed at the right time and when a patient is fully grown.
When Is the Earliest a Person Can Get Dental Implants?
Technically the answer is around 18 years old. At that age, a person will have their permanent teeth in and should be fully matured.
However, people age at different rates. There's also the issue of wisdom teeth to consider, which could affect tooth alignment and general dental health if they are impacted. Around the mid-twenties may be a more ideal answer.
During a consultation with your dentist, a good age for implant placement can be determined based on your needs.
Can Someone Be Too Old for Dental Implants?
Technically the answer is no, but only technically. (We'll get to that in a moment.)
Many people in their 70s, 80s, and sometimes even older are able to get dental implants placed without any hassles or complications. In fact, the majority of people who get dental implants tend to be in late-middle-age or starting their golden years.
That said, advanced age can play a major factor in your candidacy for dental implants.
Issues with Advanced Age That Affect Dental Implant Candidacy
As you grow older, your general wellness may be seriously impacted. In such cases, your body may not be able to tolerate certain kinds of surgical procedures. Late in life, a person's health issues could make dental implant placement a risky endeavor. Erring on the side of safety and conservatism is often ideal in such cases.
It should also be noted that getting dental implants can take time. If a patient needs to undergo bone grafting or gum grafting in addition to implant placement, the entire process can take up to two years. Sometimes a simple removable bridge or denture will prove more convenient.
Contact the Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Center
For more information about dental implants and how they can improve the health and appearance of your smile, be sure to contact our team of experienced dentists and oral surgeons today. The team at Dental Implant Center look forward to your visit.
