People are often concerned about age restrictions for dental implants. If you’re considering undergoing an implant procedure, you might not be aware that not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants. Although dental implants are ideal for adults of any age, younger patients have some considerations to make. However, even for adults there are also some health factors they should be aware of before undergoing a dental implant procedure.
Understanding dental implants
Dental implants are effective for correcting damaged or missing teeth. Implants provide a natural look and feel that lasts longer than other dental procedures, and can restore the integrity of your smile while providing greater self-confidence after correcting unsightly dental issues. The quality of results you get will depend on your current dental health, oral hygiene, and regular appointments with your dentist. For older adults, implants provide a stronger option compared to dentures. Because they are implanted directly into the bone, they’re more stable and more resistant to damage.
Age restrictions for dental implants
When it comes to age, dental implants are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You should first have a dentist evaluate the health of your jawbone. Although dental implants are suitable for all adults, any problems with the amount of bone they have will require other procedures such as bone grafting to provide a secure implant. Adults should also consider what type of implant would work best for their needs. Consulting with your dentist will give you all of the information to make the right choice.
Children have more serious concerns related to dental implants. Even though the loss of permanent teeth can occur in young patients, they must have adequate structure of the jawbone in order to undergo a dental implant procedure. In general, the development of the jaw is fully complete by the age of eighteen. This will depend on each individual and requires a professional evaluation to determine if a teenager will be a good candidate for dental implants.
Other considerations
There are other health issues that influence a person’s qualification for dental implants. Any patient that presents problems related to the blood or immune system may not be ready for a dental implant procedure. If you’ve experienced any loss of bone at the jaw from previous tooth loss, it lowers the amount of bone available to provide a strong foundation for an implant. Dental implants are suitable for all adults. If you do qualify for implants, this procedure can easily restore the look and function of your teeth with results that last a lifetime.