Too Young, Too Old: How Old Should You Be To Get Dental Implants?

Natural-looking and biocompatible, there are several reasons why many patients choose dental implants Burke over other teeth replacement options. Usually composed of ceramic (for the crown) and titanium (for the rod), these implants are embedded into the jaw bone to provide durability and stability — especially when you eat or chew.

While they are most certainly appealing, not every patient is a candidate for getting implants. And one of the factors dentists consider is a person’s age.

Why Age Matters

Generally, the minimum age range for patients who are allowed to get implants is around 18 to 21 years old. One of the main reasons behind this one is because, at this point, the jawbone has been more or less fully developed.

If the patient is too young and he or she has gotten dental implants, the position of these implants can still shift as the jawbone where they were embedded still develops.

Now, the next question is: Once the jawbone is developed, is the patient already eligible to get dental implants Burke? Well, generally there is no upper age limit for this one, so adult patients are most probably qualified. Nonetheless, older adult patients must carefully consider this one for three main reasons:

Receding jawbone. After we lose our first tooth, the process of bone loss begins. As we age, our jawbone continues to recede, to the point that we can no longer be qualified to be embedded with dental implants.

Series of surgeries. The implant process is not done overnight. During the first surgery, a hole will be drilled into the jawbone and the base (the titanium rod) will be attached. On the next surgery, the connector will be fitted to the base before the crown itself can be finally implanted through a specially-made dental cement. Adult patients who are much older might find it hard to undergo such an operation.

Overall health condition. Besides bone structure, one’s health condition is also a crucial factor that needs to be considered before getting implants. Dental implants are typically not ideal for patients who have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and those who have undergone radiation in their head and neck area. This is also not recommended for people who are heavy smokers as well as those who are pregnant.

Proper Evaluation is a Must

Getting implants is not as simple as you think it is. This is why dentists thoroughly examine whether a patient is eligible to get them or not. And one of the first things they do is getting patients x-rayed to check if the jawbone is capable of handling the implants. They might also ask for the patient’s medical history as a reference.

Other Teeth Replacement Options

Though dental implants Burke are considered as the closest thing to natural teeth, not all patients can be qualified to undergo the implant process. If you are facing such a situation, your teeth replacement options include dentures (removable tooth-like structures held by a plate or a frame) and bridges (dental prostheses attached to an adjacent tooth).

Consulting with a dental expert is a must if you want to know which teeth replacement option is most suitable for your condition and age.

If you’re planning to get dental implants Burke, set an appointment with one of our surgeons at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery.