Are you planning to replace one or more of your missing teeth with dental implants? Then the next question on your mind could be, “What is the best age for dental implants? And are you a suitable candidate?
Let me tell you, replacing missing teeth with a dental implant has been a preferred choice for many individuals, as it is the next best thing to having natural teeth. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth structure as well as the tooth itself. Also, the new root made up of titanium allows you to hold replacement teeth in the right place.
Keep on reading further to explore implants more. What is the best age for dental implants?
What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. These implants are placed by a skilled dentist into a person’s jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants offer a fantastic solution for people with missing teeth from an injury, decay, or other reasons.
What are the benefits of Dental Implants?
The benefits of Dental Implants include:
- It prevents teeth from shifting out of position
- It restores chewing and speaking ability
- They look completely natural
- They prevent facial sagging
- It eliminates embarrassing mishaps like falling off teeth while laughing, eating, sneezing, and coughing.
Despite so many benefits, dental implants may not be the ideal solution for everyone, including patients under age 18.
When is the best age for Dental Implants?
Now, let’s answer the big question: what’s the best age for dental implants? The truth is, there is not one best age for dental implants. The ideal time varies from person to person depending upon some factors:
Bone Growth
Your jawbone must be fully developed before you plan to get dental implants to ensure you have a strong foundation to hold them. It mostly happens in the late teens or early twenties.
Overall Health
Your overall health plays a significant role, whether you are 18 or 80 years old. It doesn’t matter. Health issues like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease affect the healing process. Your dentist in Kirkland, WA, will assess your health before recommending implants.
Tooth Loss Timing
The timing of losing a tooth also determines the best age for dental implants. If someone loses a tooth at a very young age due to an injury, accident, or any other reason, they will have to wait to get a dental implant until their jawbone has fully developed. On the other hand, adults don’t have to wait to replace their missing teeth with dental implants, as their jawbones have already developed with age.
Consult with Experts
We strongly recommend that the best age for dental implants be determined by consulting with a dental professional. Dentists in Kirkland, WA, like Dr. Razoumovitch at Seattle’s Best Smiles, have the expertise to assess your unique situation. They will first consider your age, bone health, and overall dental condition to recommend the best course of action.
Why Are Children and Teenagers Not Considered Good Candidates for Dental Implants?
It is true that in order to get dental implants, your jawbone must be fully developed, which happens in the late teens or early twenties. Therefore, the dental team at Seattle’s Best Smiles doesn’t usually do dental implants for people under 17. However, we consider each case individually and focus more on jaw development than strict age limits.
To ensure that the patient can receive dental implants, the dentist takes an X-ray of his or her jawbone bones to determine if they appear sufficiently developed to proceed with surgery.
Why is there no Upper age for dental implants?
According to the American Dental Association, about half of adults over 65 have at least one missing tooth, making them good candidates for dental implants. This includes seniors in their 80s and 90s. We always assess a patient’s overall health before suggesting implants, but age alone usually doesn’t rule anyone out. In fact, many older adults who have used removable dentures for a long time seem to be interested in receiving permanent dental implants.
The biggest difference between younger and older patients receiving dental implants is how they lost their teeth. Usually, young adults lose teeth due to injury or accidents, while older adults tend to lose teeth due to decay and disease. Regardless of how you lost your teeth, we suggest you ask a skilled dentist if dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for you.
Conclusion
So, what is the best age for dental implants? It’s usually better to wait before getting front tooth implants, especially around the age of 18. Studies suggest that waiting until you’re about 25 or 30 can often lead to better-looking results in the long run for some people. Consulting with experienced dentists in Kirkland, WA, is key to making an informed decision. Dental implants offer several benefits and can be a game-changer for oral health and confidence.
If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with our dentists at Seattle’s Best Smiles in Kirkland, WA. Book your consultation online. New patients can call us at 425-363-9864 while existing patients can reach out to us at (425) 307-1177. Connect with us today, as your smile deserves the best care possible!
FAQ
What is the best age to get teeth implants?
It is commonly believed that 18 is the best age for dental implants, as dental education traditionally emphasizes waiting until patients reach 18 years old before placing crowns.
Can elderly people get dental implants?
Many elderly individuals in their 80s and 90s can be good candidates for dental implants.
What if I lost a tooth at a young age?
If you lost a tooth early, your dentist may recommend waiting until your jawbone fully develops, usually in your late teens or early twenties.
