Are there age restrictions associated with implant dentistry? Find out whether a patient can ever be too young or too old for dental implants.

If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, then you owe it to yourself to explore the possibilities of dental implants. No other form of replacing missing teeth surpasses implant-supported restorations in terms of their strength, stability, or lifelike appearance or feel. Whether you require a single implant-supported dental crown, an implant-supported bridge, or a full set of implant-supported dentures, you will emerge from treatment with your oral health and your smile restored and intact. You will be able to bite, chew, speak, and smile with renewed confidence and ease.

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that, if you are in your 70s, 80s, or even 90s, you do not have to worry about being considered a poor candidate for dental implants because of your age. While there are certain criteria you must meet in order to be considered a suitable candidate for implant dentistry, there is no upper age restriction associated with dental implants. Indeed, when discussing dental implants and age restrictions during consultations at his Tampa, FL oral surgery practice, Dr. Theodore J. Grellner informs patients that the only age restriction involves younger patients.

Are you a good candidate for dental implants? If you would like to find out for certain, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Grellner today.

Age and Implant Dentistry

As stated above, the only age restriction associated with dental implants involves younger patients who are missing one or more of their natural teeth. This restriction exists only because dental implants cannot be placed in the jaw until the jawbones are fully developed. In most people, this does not occur until the late teens. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that, say, a 16-year-old patient would qualify for dental implant surgery, while a 17- or 18-year-old patient would have to be evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis.

Conversely, patients with fully developed jawbones can make excellent candidates for implant dentistry whether they are in their 20s or their 90s, assuming that they also:

• Are in good enough general health to undergo a major surgical procedure. Dental implants must be surgically embedded in the jawbone.
• Have sufficiently dense jawbones to support the titanium dental implant posts. Patients with insufficient jawbone density must be able to safely undergo bone grafting surgery prior to implant placement in order to be considered good candidates for implant dentistry.
• Are able to take proper care of their teeth between dental appointments. Implant-supported restorations require the same oral hygiene regimen as natural teeth. Some senior patients, however, have difficulty brushing and flossing their teeth, which could lead to problems with their implants.
• Lead healthy lifestyles, free from smoking and overconsumption of sugary and acidic foods. Will diligently follow all post-surgical instructions provided to them by Dr. Grellner to ensure the success of their implant surgery.

Learn More about Dental Implants and Whether You Are a Good Candidate

To learn more about whether you could benefit from dental implants, please contact the oral surgery practice of Dr. Theodore J. Grellner today.