Offering distinct advantages over dentures and bridges, dental implants are the most versatile and durable tooth replacement option. Besides delivering unrivaled performance in all aspects of oral health, this revolutionary dental restoration is the next best thing to having your own, natural teeth.
Dental implants are an ideal solution for replacing teeth lost to periodontal disease, trauma or defects in the bone, and may also be used to anchor a full set of upper or lower dentures. The many benefits of implants make them a popular choice here at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. However, there are some limitations for candidacy.
Too young for dental implants?
Is there a minimum age for getting dental implants? There is no lower age restriction for implants, but the jawbone must be fully developed prior to treatment. In most of our patients, this happens between the ages of 17-20. Placing implants too soon can seriously compromise the likelihood of success and has been shown to contribute to periodontal problems and implant failure. This is because an implant, unlike your natural teeth, will not shift to accommodate a growing jaw. As a result, younger patients are at a higher risk for bite problems as well as unwanted aesthetic changes. Every person develops at different rates, so candidacy is determined on a patient-by-patient basis. X-rays are utilized to determine the level of bone development.
When traumatic injury – or a congenital defect—causes tooth loss in teenagers who have not yet reached skeletal maturity, other restoration options may be recommended until bone development is complete.
Upper age limits for dental implants
Nearly 50 percent of Americans over the age of 65 have experienced tooth loss, and many may be wondering if it’s too late for dental implants. Seniors shouldn’t worry about the age factor, since dental implants have shown positive results in patients well into their 80’s! That being said, there is generally no upper age restriction for implant dentistry, so long as the patient is in good overall health.
Previous studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis can undermine implant success rates, as can smoking or use of tobacco products. Older patients tend to heal more slowly, but as long as they have sufficient jawbone to place the implant, they are viable candidates.
In cases where a CT scan shows substantial bone atrophy, patients will likely need bone grafting surgery prior to implant placement. Once there is adequate healthy bone tissue at the implant site, the titanium posts will have a stable foundation for the osseointegration process.
Many of our dental implant patients are healthy, social and active seniors who have grown tired of the hassle and discomfort of removable dentures.
Long Island dental implant consult
Regardless of your age or reason for tooth loss, we encourage you to ask Dr. Elliot and Dr. Nick whether dental implants are the right solution for you. Here at our state-of-the-art practice, we offer traditional dental implants, mini implants and “All-on-4” teeth in a day. To request an appointment with implant dentists Suffolk County residents have come to trust, please call 631-296-0602.
Read More about Dental Implant Age Limits:
- RealSelf, What is the maximum age for getting implants in case of gum decease? https://www.realself.com/question/flint-mi-maximum-age-implants-case-gum-decease
- Osseo News, Upper Age Limit for Dental Implant Treatment? https://www.osseonews.com/upper-age-limit-for-implant-treatment/
