Dental Implants and Age Restrictions
If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, implant dentistry is a good option to consider. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that can hold crowns, dentures, and bridges, offering an unmatched level of stability and improved aesthetics. Dr. Alex Hecht and Dr. Jason Hecht have helped countless patients in Staten Island, NY have beautiful and fully functional smiles thanks to dental implants.
While many people can benefit from getting dental implants placed, there could be some restrictions or limitations. A patient’s age, for instance, is an important concern. The team at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist would like to consider the role that age plays in implant dentistry.
An Ideal Age for Dental Implants
Generally speaking, the mid-20s and onward is a good age for dental implants. By this time, a person is fully matured, meaning that their jawbone will not change in any major ways. This ensures that any oral surgery performed will not require correction or revision for years to come, and the implants can be placed optimally for stability and effectiveness.
Can You Be Too Young for Dental Implants?
Yes.
Placing dental implants on children would be a bad idea since children are still growing and their jawbone and gum tissue is subject to change. Even children who are born without teeth as a result of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) will wear dentures rather than have dental implants placed. You may be familiar with CCD through Gaten Matarazzo, one of the co-stars from Stranger Things who has this condition. He currently wears dentures to address his missing teeth.
What Is the Youngest You Can Be for Dental Implants?
Adulthood is the youngest a person should be to get dental implants. As we noted above, the jawbone will not change significantly upon reaching adulthood, allowing for the implants to be placed properly and to have long-lasting benefits/results.
Can You Be Too Old for Dental Implants?
Technically you cannot be too old for dental implants. Patients may get dental implants well into their 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Dental Implants and Age-Related Health Concerns
That said, a patient’s health in advanced age may affect their candidacy for dental implants. If an elderly patient is infirm or suffers from serious illnesses late in life, oral surgery could pose a significant health risk that makes dental implants a bad idea.
Elderly patients should also consider the amount of time it takes to complete the dental implants process. Osseointegration must occur, which involves the fusing of the implants with the jawbone. This can take several months to a year. If the patient requires bone grafting or gum augmentation surgery, the overall treatment time is further increased. Simply getting a bridge or dentures may be more convenient, and these appliances cost less as well.
Screening Elderly Patients for Oral Surgery
If an elderly patient is interested in getting dental implants, we will carefully screen that patient for suitability. We’ll go over the patient’s dental history and medical wellness, making sure that the surgical procedure will not result in any adverse health effects or issues.
Contact Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist
To learn more about your dental care options and whether or not dental implants are right for you, be sure to contact Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist. We will answer your questions and address your concerns in full. You can reach our office by phone at (718) 705-4434.