If you’re missing or have damaged teeth, dental implants are an effective solution.
By matching your natural teeth both in terms of look and function, dental implants can boost your confidence and allow you to lead the lifestyle you want.
And so, if you’re thinking of getting dental implants, you may be wondering if there’s a minimum or maximum age. Let’s take a look.
What are dental implants?
There are 3 parts of a dental implant. A fixture that’s fitted into the jaw to replace your tooth root. A dental crown that acts as your tooth. And an abutment that connects the dental crown and fixture. You typically need two procedures when getting dental implants. In order to allow the bone to grow around the fixture, time is needed for healing after the first procedure. The second procedure involves placing an abutment on top of the fixture that then supports the dental crown.
Recovery time is quite short, typically about 4 weeks following the final procedure.
What’s the youngest age someone can get dental implants?
Those under the age of 18 may be advised to wait until they’re over 18 before getting dental implants. Since you’re still developing, your jawbone is still growing. This means your jaw and teeth continue to shift. Dental implants aren’t designed to move along with that growth. As a result, having implants before your jaw has matured can interfere with bone development and lead to complications.
What’s the oldest age someone can get dental implants?
There’s no maximum age when it comes to getting dental implants. Your dentist will assess your suitability for dental implants based on a range of factors, but simply being over a certain age shouldn’t rule you out. Factors your dentist will look at include oral health and hygiene, bone structure, smoking status and overall health. So long as you meet the criteria, your age shouldn’t be an issue.
If you’re considering dental implants, but are unsure whether you’re a suitable candidate, be sure to get in touch. We work with some of the top dental specialists in the country and our team of experts are always happy to chat through any questions you have. So, to find out more about getting your dental implants, give us a call today on +44 121 288 4552.