Do Dental Implants Have Any Age Limitations?

Grandma holding shoulders of teen granddaughter, both smiling to show that you should consult with your dentist regarding age limits on dental implants.

Dental implants have become the go-to solution for missing teeth. Why? They offer advantages that other restorative services do not. But you may wonder if there are any age limitations when it comes to placing dental implants. Can someone be too old or too young for successful implant placement?

Here are some of the things you need to consider to decide if dental implants are the right solution for you. But first, let’s talk about the advantages of dental implants.

Why dental implants?

We mentioned earlier that dental implants had become the preferred solution for replacing missing teeth.

Many people choose implants because they are:

  • Permanent – Have no fear of slippage, which can happen with dentures.
  • Durable – Implants are made of solid and lightweight titanium steel.
  • Natural Looking – Implants are capped with a custom-made crown that looks like your own tooth.
  • Long-lasting – With proper care, they can last for decades.

Implants are well-known for being the closest thing in looks and function to your natural teeth. However, is everyone a good candidate for dental implants?

Who should not have dental implants?

Generally speaking, dental implants are an excellent solution for most patients. However, some things can affect the ability of an implant to be placed successfully, such as:

  • Uncontrolled Disease – People with diseases (such as diabetes) that are not under control are not good candidates for dental implants because the uncontrolled disease prevents the body from healing normally.
  • Medications – Certain medicines can also affect the healing process and the success of an implant.
  • Bone Deterioration – Some patients have lost so much bone material that an implant would not be advised.

Bone loss because of periodontal disease is something that we usually see in older patients. It’s important to note that it’s not the age, but the oral health condition of a patient that affects whether or not they can have a dental implant. There is no age cap on the procedure as long as the patient has healthy bone tissue.

Our dentists will be able to tell you whether implants are the right option for you after conducting a clinical examination using a 3D cat-scan.

Hygienist examines older woman laying back in a dental chair with the words Don't let your age hold you back from getting dental implants

Should children have dental implants?

That’s a good question. Is a dental implant a good solution if a child has lost a permanent tooth because of disease or an accident? Because the implant integrates with the jawbone, it is important the jaw has completely developed before placing an implant.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), most children’s jawbone development isn’t complete until their late teens. Our dentists in Woburn. MA will be able to help you know if your child is ready for an implant.

The conclusion

So, in short, a dental implant can be placed after a teen has reached their late teens, and at any age above that if the patient has healthy bone and gums. So, don’t let age hold you back from replacing missing teeth. Call our office today at 781-935-8810 with any questions you may have or to schedule a complimentary visit to discuss this restorative dental option to replace your missing teeth.

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