Minimum Age or Age Restrictions for Dental Implants
When it come to your teeth, problems can occur at any age. Dental disease notwithstanding, dental hygiene is a difficult thing to master at any age. If you are younger and experience tooth decay or problems with your teeth, what age is right to consider dental implants?
What is the minimum Age?
Unless there are extreme cases, the general rule is that the skeleton should reach maturity before implants are placed. If implants are used before the jaw and skeleton are fully formed, it greatly increases the chances of jaw, mastication, and TMJ issues. PLacing surgical dental implants too soon may also increase the chances of aesthetic craniofacial problems, and improper sizing of the teeth.
What is the lowest age?
Everyone will develop at a different rate. Maturity and complete development for skeletomuscular system is conservatively, somewhere in the early 20’s. The absolute lowest age is usually around 17, it would be hard to find a dentist who would perform a dental implant earlier. To ensure proper development of the jaw and skeleton, x rays should be taken. If your Dentist is offering to move forward without checking development with x rays, that would be a bad sign. The most important factor here is jaw development. If sections of teeth are missing or decayed, a bridge may be a better option, as it can be anchored with the neighboring teeth and gums, like a retainer.
Is there a Maximum Age restriction?
No, there is no concrete rule for an age maximum for Dental Implants. Obviously each situation is different and it will depend on the overall health of the patient. If there are complications where surgery or gas would not be recommended for the patient, this would be a limiting factor.
What role does Dental Hygiene play in development?
If you are experiencing dental decay and tooth breakage at an early age, and you are not eligible for implants yet due to development, consult with an orthodontist and dental hygienist. This will be good preparation for an implant team down the line. This will also help to ensure a pattern of good dental health to preserve the situation of your teeth while the jaw develops, and after as you learn to care for your future implants. Strong Hygiene is marked by
- The absence of infection- No chronic bleeding of the gums or infectious pus
- No bad breath- While it may be from “onions” or “garlic” the most common cause of bad breath is bad bacteria. Bacteria that is unhealthy and may lead to infection is freshly scared tissue like that of an implant. Taking care of your mouth now is good preparation for after you get implants.
- Regular Cleanings- Maintaining an accurate and accountable schedule with your Dentist and Dental Hygienist for checkups and cleanings is a sign of a responsible dental health advocate.
- Brushing- Brushing at least twice a day, and often after meals, is a sign of good dental health. It also leaves a lovely minty taste in your mouth!
- Flossing- Although getting used to flossing can be difficult, doing it routinely helps you to learn about your mouth and dental health. You will begin to recognize areas where spacing between teeth is off, areas whee food commonly builds up, and areas of tenderness or soreness. This will help you to keep track of areas to watch after Implant surgery.
Although some patients will need to wait for full skeletal maturity before they can receive implants, there is no limit on the amount of time they get to enjoy them. As long as you are responsible and take care of your implants, there is nothing that can stop you from enjoying a beautiful smile and all the foods you love.