Dental implants are the best and most effective restorative treatment option available for patients who want to get their single missing tooth or multiple teeth replaced. Implants are known to be the closest simulation of the natural teeth. They are like tiny screw-shaped devices that are inserted into the jaw bones to function as artificial tooth roots. The implants hold various restorations such as bridges, crowns, and dentures. The various integral benefits of dental implants are what makes these restorations most popular among doctors and patients worldwide.
Although they are very beneficial, there are a few aspects that are considered by your dental specialist before taking on the dental implant treatment. It is crucial for you to consult with your dentist and understand the upsides and downsides of the treatment for you before taking any further step. Let’s take a look at how your age and dental implants are related.
Dental Implants and Age Constraints
As said above, dental implants provide a secure foundation for tooth restorations. However, the treatment’s success depends on the fusion of dental implants with the jawbone, this process is generally referred to as osseo-integration. There are several factors which are looked into by the dental expert when determining the candidacy for dental implants. One of those factors is the patient’s age. Let us understand how your age will affect the strength and development of the jaw bone.
Dental Implants for Youngsters
Teenage or younger patients are generally not considered a good candidate for dental implants. For this treatment to be successful, the jaws must be fully developed. If the jaw grows after the procedure is completed, then it could completely compromise the treatment and affect the child even more. The patient is not considered an ideal candidate for a dental implant procedure until they are eighteen years old.
The decision of whether a patient is ideal for the treatment or not will rest in the hands of the dental expert & only be decided after a thorough examination of their bone health. The final call is made on a case-by-case basis.
Dental Implants for Seniors
A lot of older patients tend to assume that dental implants would not be a suitable treatment option for their missing tooth for an individual belonging to their age group. However, there is no upper limit as such to get dental implants done. The treatment has a promising success rate even for a person in their 80s or 90s. Read more about are dental implants safe?
That said, it is important to understand that one major factor that can affect the person’s candidacy for the treatment at any age is the density and strength of their jawbone. The senior person’s jawbone tends to get affected and become weak with age, particularly when their missing tooth or teeth have not been replaced for a long time. However, fortunately, a bone graft treatment would help restore the lost height of their jawbone and enable them to qualify for the tooth replacement treatment with dental implants. Click to know about what are immediate loading implants.