As you get older, you may realize that perhaps certain things are better suited for the young. While you can definitely still be active, dance, be silly, fall in love, and do most things you want, you probably won’t win gold at the Olympics at this point in your life. You’re simply past your physical prime; in blunter words, you’re too old.
When it comes to replacing your teeth, you may wonder if your advanced age could keep you from dental implants, generally regarded as the best prosthetic option. In this post, you’ll learn about the requirements to get dental implants and what role age plays in the process.
Criteria to Qualify for Dental Implants
To have successful, stable implants, certain things need to line up. Unless you meet the following criteria, you may not be considered a good candidate for dental implants. Fortunately, in most cases, you can make slight changes or undergo treatments that can better prepare you for the gold standard of tooth replacement.
Good General Health
You don’t have to be in perfect shape to get dental implants. If that were the case, dental implants would become very rare! However, there are certain medical conditions that may disqualify you or complicate the process, such as poorly managed diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes often leads to more frequent infections and inefficient healing and, therefore, raises your risk of implant failure. Your dentist can work with you and your physician to get you in a better health position.
Good Oral Health
Your mouth may be just one part of the body as a whole, it also has its own microbiome, and that environment must be hospitable for implants to work. If you have gum disease or a cavity, oral bacteria may interfere with the essential osseointegration process.
Strong Jawbone Density
If you want your dental implants to function and last, they need to be firmly embedded in the jawbone. However, sometimes because of prior tooth loss or gum disease, the jawbone may not be dense enough to support the posts. In this case, a bone graft can be inserted into the area, and the jawbone can regenerate new tissue, building back to a place where implants become viable.
At Least 18 Years Old
Sometimes, a child naturally doesn’t develop all their permanent teeth. In this situation, they will eventually need dental implants, but they must wait until their oral structures have fully formed. Usually by age 18, their mouth is ready for these permanent additions.
No Maximum Age for Dental Implants
You’ll notice that, while there is a minimum age, there isn’t a top limit for these prosthetic teeth. Anyone who meets these four requirements can get dental implants, no matter how old they are. You can already be retired and aging and still achieve a youthful, strong smile!
Although you may be too far “over the hill” to compete for gold medals, your age doesn’t exclude you from enjoying a complete smile again.
About the Author
Dr. Publio Silfa originally earned his dental degree in the Dominican Republic and graduated in 2003. After that, he came to the United States and completed a three-year residency at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. As a third-generation dentist, he enjoys carrying on a family legacy of excellent service and patient-first care. If you would like to see if dental implants could be an option for you, contact Silfa Dental in Commack online or call us at 631-651-1322 to schedule a consultation.