Minimum Age or Age Restrictions for Dental Implants
If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, you may be considering your replacement options. Dental implants have become the replacement option of choice for many reasons. Dental implants are permanent in nature, affixed securely to your jawbone preventing movement and sliding, and look and feel like real teeth. With dental implants, you will have a restored bite that allows for normal chewing and speaking, a structurally sound mouth with teeth that will not shift, a natural appearance and smile, and no risk of teeth moving or falling out. Despite these benefits however, dental implants may not be right for everyone, and age has a lot to do with it.
Are children good candidates for dental implants?
There is often a need in children for tooth replacement whether due to trauma or congenital condition. For a patient to be a good candidate for dental implants however, they must have a complete, matured skeletal structure and a fully developed jaw. Dental implants involve attaching a metal screw, called a post, directly into the jawbone. Therefore, it is essential that the jawbone be done growing at the time of the procedure. If the implant is attached in a jaw that is not done growing it can lead to several problems including bite problems, space between teeth, bone loss near the implant, and changes to the structure and appearance of the face. Therefore, dental implants are not given to children who have not reached this bone maturity. This usually happens around 17-20 years of age. The degree of bone maturity is more important than age itself though. A dentist can determine if someone is ready for an implant by taking an x-ray and performing a growth assessments on the patient.
There are interim solutions available for children and teens however, which can temporarily maintain the functionality of their mouth while waiting for bone maturity. Dental bridges or partially removable dentures are viable alternatives, which can solve the problem while the child ages.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
According to the American Dental Association, 50 percent of men and women over age 65 have at least one missing tooth. This means that seniors are often excellent candidates for dental implants. In the case of an upper age limit, overall health is more important than age. If a person is healthy enough to have the implants installed, they generally can, regardless of how old they are. A dentist will consider the person’s ability to heal and general ability to care for the implant prior to the procedure. In general, though, if a person can handle the surgery and care for it after, they are never too old.
While dental implants are a fantastic solution for tooth replacement, they are not for everyone. Most adults, depending on overall health, are excellent candidates for dental implants. Children who have not reached bone maturity are not, however. If you think you are a candidate for a dental implant talk to your dentist. They will be able to determine if a dental implant is right for you.
