Whether you’re 22 years old and are missing one tooth or 84 years old and missing an entire arch, dental implants are the only tooth replacement treatment that can restore both the roots and crowns of missing teeth. This leads to results that not only look natural, but also feel lifelike, helping you get the most out of your new smile. Read on to learn more about how age can impact your ability to get dental implants, and what other traits make for a good candidate.
How Old is Too Old for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are considered an excellent option for replacing missing teeth for elderly patients, whether you’re 85, 90, or 99 years old! While older patients looking to get dental implants may be at a higher risk of experiencing complications, even those who have sustained jawbone erosion and have underlying medical conditions can still be good candidates for the treatment. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable implant dentist.
Is There Such a Thing as Being Too Young for Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, there is such a thing as being too young for dental implants. Children under 18 years old typically aren’t considered good candidates for the treatment because their jawbone and mouth are still developing. If a dentist were to replace missing teeth while the jawbone was still growing, it could lead to bite misalignment, crowding, and other complications. Because of this, implant dentists only treat patients who are 18 years or older.
What Traits Make for Good Candidates for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a relatively versatile and flexible procedure that can suit a number of patients, all with varying needs. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or an entire row of teeth, dental implants could be the right solution for you. Your dentist will assess your candidacy and determine whether you meet the following criteria:
- Enough Jawbone Density: Even if you don’t have enough jawbone density to undergo dental implant placement right away, you can still receive preparatory procedures like bone grafts to help you get there!
- Commitment to Good Dental Hygiene: Dental health concerns like gum disease can impact the stability and success of your dental implants, which is why it’s crucial to commit to brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Also, be sure to visit your dentist in Panama City for routine checkups and cleanings!
- Quit Smoking Before & After the Surgery: Smoking has been shown to drastically increase patients’ risks of peri-implantitis, which is the top cause of implant failure. Because of this, dentists ask that their patients cease using tobacco products both before and after their surgeries.
To learn whether dental implants are right for you, schedule a consultation with your implant dentist. You’ll be surprised to learn that you’re likely a good candidate, whether you’re 20 years old or 100, and that you can enjoy a healthy, whole, and natural-looking and feeling smile like so many others!
About the Practice
At Baldwin Family Dental, our team is led by two highly skilled and expertly trained dentists, Dr. Waheed and Dr. Panousis. With years of experience under their belts and an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the dental implant treatment, our team is able to offer both in-house placement and restoration. Visit Baldwin Family Dental’s website or call 850-215-0128 to schedule a consultation.