Dental implants restore missing teeth while enhancing oral care. However, one does wonder about the appropriate age to get them, right? Let’s dig deeper.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium-based artificial tooth roots that serve as a stable foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. For people who have lost teeth due to some form of injury, decay, or have any other health issues, dental implants work as a long term solution. The procedure involves surgically setting the implant into the jawbone and is further secured by the bone through a process known as osseointegration.
Many people think that age could be a factor when getting dental implants, and while there are some age related aspects, the reality is implants can be effective for people of all ages. As such, let’s discuss different age groups and the factors that pertain to getting dental implants.
Minimum Age for Dental Implants
Young kids are likely to lose teeth from some injury or dental decay. Because of this, dental implants are not advised for children below the age of 14.
Jawbones need to be fully developed for dental implants to be placed. Most people fully develop their jawbone between the age of 17 and 20. If dental implants are placed early, they run the risk of becoming misaligned or failing altogether due to shifting when the jaw is still growing.
A children’s dentist in Houston might suggest alternatives like bridges and partial dentures for younger patients. These solutions are only temporary and will help maintain some oral function and aesthetics until the patient is old enough to have implants.
The Importance of Jaw Development
The implants integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. If a patient’s jaw is still growing, implants can displace and cause problems that require intervention later on.
Too early placement of implants can lead to:
- Misalignment of the surrounding teeth.
- The need for additional procedures in the future.
- Facial structure having an uneven growth.
A dentist assesses jaw growth maturity with X-rays and other imaging methods prior to the insertion of the implants. This is to ensure success and proper timing for the implant.
Ideal Age of Dental Implants
Most patients receive implants in their 20s and beyond, with many in their 30s, 40s, and older also seeing the benefits.
Tooth loss can happen at any age, but for adults, implants serve as a permanent remedy. Good candidates for dental implants are people who have complete skeletal maturity and proper oral hygiene.
A children’s dentist Houston usually refers his young patients to a specialist when they reach a certain age.
Can Older Adults Get Dental Implants?
Yes! There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Seniors in their sixties, seventies, and even eighties can successfully receive implants. Furthermore, there is a minimum age for dental implants, which is around 20, as below that age, a person’s jawbone is not sufficiently developed.
It is also necessary to look into a patient’s medical history especially if the person has certain diseases. Advanced age does not automatically disqualify someone from getting dental implants fitted aside from age. A person’s physical well-being and conditions such as having a strong jawbone, healthy gums and other health conditions are more important to consider.
In some cases, older adults may require bone grafting if they have suffered mild to extreme bone deterioration due to excess tooth decay. This procedure improves the jawbone to effortlessly place an implant.
Factors Affecting Implant Eligibility
There are several factors that can determine eligibility for implants, including but not limited to:
- Bone density
- Gum health
- Overall health conditions
- Smoking habits
Patients suffering from uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, or other autoimmune diseases might not be ideal candidates.
That said, modern innovations in dentistry have made implants available to so many more patients than in the past. A consultation with a dentist helps determine which is more beneficial for the patients long term with as little discomfort to them as possible.
Dental Implants vs Other Options
For younger patients, teeth alignment aids like braces and dentures serve as interim fixes until they can access dental implants available.
Older patients, on the other hand, can benefit the most from dental implants as they can permanently replace dentures. They do not fall, stick, or need a bond, which is more effective than what was offered previously.
A children’s dentist in Houston has the ability to help families with younger patients determine the best options.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The implant process involves several steps:
The Consultation
A qualified dentist checks a patient’s oral health and evaluates their jawbone structure.
Preparation Stage
Any necessary bone grafting or extractions are done.
Implant Placement
A titanium post is inserted to the jawbone.
Healing Period
For a period of two to three months, a patient should rest and let the bone heal.
Abutment Placement
A small connection implant is placed to hold the artificial tooth.
Final Restoration
The last step is fixing a crown on the implant.
The implant must sit properly and securely deep in the jawbone for optimal conditions.
Why Dental Implants Are So Beneficial
- They provide a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- They look and feel natural as dental implants are made from materials that can easily blend in.
- They prevent bone loss and help maintain the shape of the face.
- Dental implants drastically enhance one’s ability to chew food and speak clearly.
- These implants do not require any form of adhesives or special hygiene practices.
With the right care, implants can last for decades. They serve really as a way to fix one’s aesthetic appearance, and at the same time make everyday tasks easier, improving one’s overall life.
Dental Solution of a Lifetime
The general public tends to take on dental implants during their late teenage years or adulthood. Some younger candidates may need to postpone procedures until their jaws are completely developed.
Implants are equally beneficial for elderly patients, too, as long as they have healthy gums,and enough bone density.
Children’s dentists in Houston can guide you in preferred techniques of oral hygiene, and ways of replacing teeth.
