Dental Implants and Patient Age
Dr. Charles Casey and Dr. Patrick Casey have helped countless people in Montreal, QC who are missing a tooth or all of their teeth. In a number of cases, the ideal treatment option is dental implants. These artificial tooth roots can support crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures with a stability comparable to natural tooth roots.
Many people who get dental implants tend to be middle-aged or older. This has a lot to do with the role age plays in tooth loss and dental health. We’d like to cover some of the basics of these issues below.
Links Between Age and Tooth Loss
As we get older, tooth loss becomes more likely. It’s simply the nature of wear and tear on the teeth. The US government’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) had an interesting study comparing tooth loss in adults and seniors. These numbers highlight the effects of the aging process on dental health:
- American adults age 20 to 64 had an average of 24.92 remaining teeth; 3.75 percent of people in this age group were missing all of their teeth.
- American seniors age 65 and older had an average of 18.9 remaining teeth; 27.27 percent of people in this elderly age group were missing all of their teeth.
The tooth loss was caused by a variety of factors, including cavities, gum disease, trauma to the mouth, long-term wear and tear, and so forth.
Can a Patient Be Too Young for Dental Implants?
Yes.
Dental implants should only be placed in patients older than 18. A person’s jawbone and body is still growing until they reach maturity. Placing dental implants in children and teenagers risks failure and complications since the young patient’s jawbone is not fully developed.
Even if a patient is 18 years old, dental implants may not be ideal for them. There’s a chance of future tooth loss and changes to the jawbone. That’s why the team at Smile Montreal may recommend a bridge for tooth loss in younger patients rather than an implant-supported crown.
Can a Patient Be Too Old for Dental Implants?
Technically no, but general health is an important factor in dental implant candidacy.
If a patient is missing teeth and in good health, they can get dental implants placed into their 80s and 90s. However, many elderly patients experience health issues that make oral surgery procedures a risk to wellness. Post-op complications and treatment failure may be more likely during advanced age as well.
During a consultation with our practice, we can go over a patient’s medical history and current health issues. This will allow us to determine if dental implants are the right option for a patient or if a different procedure is more ideal.
Discussing Dental Implants and Alternatives
If you’re a young adult or a senior citizen, we are here to help. We’d be more than happy to address your concerns about tooth loss, discuss implant dentistry, and offer insight into alternative treatments for missing teeth. You can count on our dentists to give you all the information you need to make sound decisions with regard to your dental health needs.
Contact Smile Montreal
For more information about implant density and how it can benefit you, be sure to contact our skilled cosmetic and restorative dentists. You can reach the team here by phone at (514) 613-2209.