They are usually suitable from the age of 18, when the jaw has completed its growth and, depending on the individual, dental implants are an excellent solution. Before a patient can receive a dental implant, they must have a fully developed jaw. This usually doesn't happen until late adolescence or even early adulthood. Therefore, the dental team at Southbridge Dentistry rarely performs a dental implant procedure on people 17 years of age or younger. However, this age limit is not absolute, since jaw development is a more important factor than age.
It may surprise you, but dental implants aren't just for older adults. In fact, younger people who have lost teeth due to accidents or dental problems can also benefit greatly from them. In general, most people are eligible to receive dental implants in their late teens or early twenties. At this age, the jaw has generally fully developed and people are in good general health.
However, it's important to remember that there is no strict age limit for dental implants. Older adults can also benefit from this procedure, provided they meet the necessary criteria. When you reach a certain age, it's normal to wonder if dental implants are right for you. You can think about the type of success rate you'll have with implants based on your age. You may wonder if dental implants work just as well for older patients as they do for younger patients.
Fortunately, dental implants are just as effective and long-lasting into old age. Dental implants often improve the lives of older people, providing them with better physical health and more confidence. No age is too old for dental implants. Dental implants are like artificial dental roots shaped like screws. An experienced dentist will place dental implants in the jaw, which will then be attached to the natural bone.
This becomes a base for holding artificial teeth, also known as crowns. A connector, also known as an abutment, is placed on top of the dental implant to hold the crown. The crown is custom-made to fit the teeth and fit in the mouth. Dental implants are the strongest, safest, and most predictable dental procedures.
A dentist who specializes in implants will examine your mouth, take x-rays (three-dimensional images) and discuss implant options and a plan for dental implant surgery. During your next appointment, the dentist will place the dental implant in your jaw, exactly where the missing teeth should be. Most people feel less discomfort and pain than expected and usually return to work the next day. However, keep in mind that each person's experience is unique.
Intravenous sedation or local anaesthesia may be used during surgery to keep you comfortable. Discomfort after implant surgery is like any other dental surgery. It may include swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, or pain. Most patients usually control their pain with over-the-counter medications. When the dental implant and jaw start to grow together, they go through a process called osseointegration.
During this process, a strong and durable base is formed for replacement teeth. For a few weeks, your dentist may recommend a soft food diet to ensure proper healing of the implants. In a few months, you will return to your normal life. After the implant attaches to the jaw, the dentist will place a small connector (an abutment) in the dental implant.
In some cases, the connector can be placed when the implant is placed. The dentist can make a single crown, a bridge supported by an implant, or dentures that contain several replacement teeth. Your artificial tooth or teeth will not deteriorate, but they will still need the same routine care, checkups and cleanings as natural teeth. How often you'll need to have your dental implants checked depends on how many artificial teeth are implanted and the type of implant that you receive.
The entire process usually takes between three and nine months. You can expect to have regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to make sure everything is healing well. Usually, the dental surgeon will use stitches that dissolve on their own. If the stitches don't dissolve on their own, the doctor remove them.
Your doctor may recommend that you take pain relievers or antibiotics. Most dental implants for older people are successful. In some cases, the bone does not fuse with the dental implant. In these cases, the dental implant is removed and you can try again about three months later. Keep in mind that all oral surgeries involve a small risk of bleeding, infections, and allergic reactions.
If an implant is placed too close to a nerve, for example, it can cause numbness or tingling in the tongue, lips, gums, or face. If your body rejects the dental implant, it can cause pain at the implant site, as well as swelling, fever, and chills. If you have symptoms or suspect that there are any problems after the implant, you should return to the dentist immediately. It's generally recommended to postpone dental implants until your late teens or early twenties, if possible.
If the missing tooth creates a chewing problem, a speech problem, or a problem with self-confidence, the dentist may suggest a removable tooth replacement, such as a “fin” or a retainer. There are several temporary tooth replacement solutions to ensure that your child is comfortable until the right time for dental implants to be placed. Once you've passed the threshold of full bone development, your 20s and 30s may be an ideal time to get dental implants. At this stage, your health is likely to be at its peak and your bones are still strong.
In addition, the recovery process tends to be smoother in younger adults, allowing them to return to daily activities more quickly. There is no age limit for dental implants. However, dental implants can be more expensive than alternative options. If patients are in their final years of old age, investing in a dental implant may not be right for them. These patients may consider more conservative and affordable options, such as full or partial dentures, to meet their needs.
The best way to determine if you're ready for implants, regardless of your age, is to consult your dentist and possibly a specialist. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (201), the average age of dental implant recipients is 50 to 64 years. Dental implants require a solid base and the jaw must be fully developed to support the implant. You may be considering getting dental implants if you are missing one or more of your natural teeth because you have heard that they are the best alternative to continuing to have natural teeth.
Each time patients visit the dentist to request a recall appointment, the dental team will ensure that the implant stays in place and works as it should. Dental implants provide a permanent solution for tooth loss, providing a stable base for replacement teeth that function like natural teeth. Candidates for dental implant surgery must be in good general health and be free from conditions that may interfere with the healing process. In any case, patients who are considering having dental implants may wonder if they are of the right age to have them or if there are restrictions on when they can be placed. The best way to determine the optimal time to place your dental implants is to consult an implant dentist in Salt Lake City.
If patients are serious about getting dental implants in the future and want to prepare their smiles, they may want to ask about the possibility of undergoing a bone graft to rebuild the jaw and place an implant later on. The client's age is often an important consideration when younger clients have lost or are likely to lose a tooth due to a sports injury or accident.
