Dental Implants and Age
Tooth loss can cause a number of issues that affect your dental health and wellness. While bridges and dentures can help, many patients throughout Long Island, NY come to our practice to learn more about dental implants. These artificial tooth roots are able to anchor dental appliances for a single false tooth and multiple-tooth replacement. In fact, just a few dental implants can support a full denture.
Dr. Louis J. Buono gets a number of questions about patient age and suitability for dental implants each month. Let’s cover these issues in broad terms below. First, let’s consider the links between age and tooth loss.
Rates of Tooth Loss by Age
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) examined tooth loss figures among people age 20 to 64 and among seniors age 65 and older. Keep in mind that people normally have 28 teeth total (without wisdom teeth).
- Among adults age 20 to 64, people typically averaged 24.92 teeth remaining. Only 3.75 percent of people in this age group were missing all of their teeth.
- Among seniors age 65 and up, people typically averaged 18.9 teeth remaining. Roughly 27.27 percent of people in this age group were missing all of their teeth.
As you can see, tooth loss tends to be more of an issue among the elderly when compared to younger adults. Years of wear and tear truly take their toll on your smile.
Older People More Likely to Have Dental Implants
Given the statistics above, it should come as no surprise that the elderly are more likely to have dental implants than younger individuals.
That isn’t to say that younger adults cannot get dental implants. We’ve helped a number of younger patients in Long Island who are missing teeth with advanced implant dentistry techniques. Yet generally, people in their 60s and older are more likely to consider dental implants, particularly to support dentures following major tooth loss.
What Is the Earliest Age to Get a Dental Implant Placed?
Generally speaking, dental implants should not be placed when patients are younger than 18. Even at age 18, it’s important that patients be mature, with their jawbone healthy and fully grown. We want to make sure that the results of the procedure last for decades in younger patients, which is why we take this precaution.
We will never place dental implants on teenagers or children given that their jawbones are still in the process of growing and developing.
What Age Is the Oldest a Person Can Get Dental Implants?
Technically, there is no upper age restriction on getting dental implants. As long as a person is healthy enough to undergo oral surgery, they can get dental implants well into their 80s and 90s. However, health issues can be a concern with people of advanced age.
If placing dental implants will risk a person’s general wellness, then it’s best to pick an alternative treatment for the sake of safety.
Are Dental Implants the Right Option for Me?
No matter your age, dental implants could be a great option to consider following the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth. This is why the consultation at our Long Island practice is essential. We can assess your suitability for dental implants and go over all of the risks and benefits of treatment in greater detail.
Learn More About Dental Implants
For more information about dental implants and why they may be ideal for you, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. Garden City Smiles can be reached by phone at (516) 294-0375.
