Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. They are highly desirable for several reasons, especially the fact that their success rate is high and they may last a lifetime. At Laguna Hills Dental, Drs. Millard Roth, and Dr. Anand Parekh may recommend dental implants for patients. They improve not only the appearance of the smile but your overall quality of life, especially when compared to full dentures. Regardless, patients considering dental implants may wonder if they are the right age for them or if there are restrictions on when they can be placed.
What is the minimum age for implants?
Dental implants may be used for any young adult or adult patient faced with tooth loss. They are best used to replace permanent, adult teeth that will not be replaced with another. Loss of teeth may be due to disease, significant decay, or other complications that might arise in a lifetime.
Are implants for elderly patients only?
Many patients incorrectly believe that tooth loss only occurs in the elderly. They associate restorations such as full dentures with their grandparents and great-grandparents. However, anyone at any age may find themselves with tooth loss, and dental implants can work for all adults regardless of age.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
There is no age limit for dental implants. However, dental implants may be more costly than alternative options. If patients are in their late senior years, they may not find the investment of a dental implant to be appropriate for them. These patients might consider more conservative, affordable options such as full or partial dentures to meet their needs.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
To have a dental implant placed, patients will need to be evaluated by a dental professional to determine if their smile is ready for these restorations. The successful placement of a dental implant is decided by evaluating the patient’s jawbone and making sure that there is enough bone to hold the implant in place. Without sufficient bone, the dental implant may fail. Patients can undergo x-ray imaging which allows the dentist to evaluate the health of the bone and determine if a patient is a good fit for implants. If patients are serious about obtaining dental implants in the future and want to prepare their smiles for them, they may want to ask about undergoing bone grafting to rebuild the jawbone for placement of an implant at a later time.
How do I care for my dental implant?
Patients love dental implants because they are maintained the same way patients preserve the rest of their smiles. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist in Laguna Hills as recommended is the best way to avoid problems such as periodontal disease, which can cause the loss of dental implants over time. Each time patients visit the dentist for a recall appointment, the dental team will make sure the implant is still in place and functioning as it should. This visit also allows the dentist to look for the early signs of issues such as periodontal disease or tooth decay that can impact the smile’s health and the solidity of the implant in the bone. Bone loss, or bone resorption, is the primary reason why dental implants may fail with time.
Learn more about dental implants
Laguna Hills, CA patients ready to find out if they are the right age for dental implants are welcome to call (949) 855-0450 to request an appointment with Drs. Millard Roth, and Dr. Anand Parekh. The office is located in Honali Plaza at 24741 Alicia Parkway, Suite A, and is open to new patients and families.
