If you are missing a tooth, you may have wondered if a dental implant is what you need to restore your smile. But, did you know that age can be an important factor to consider? In fact, at some ages, a dental implant could actually cause problems with your smile. To help you avoid complications like these—and to help you know what you might expect—we’re happy to discuss age considerations for people who are considering implants.
When you think of your child losing a tooth, what comes to mind? Do you think of the tooth fairy? Are you excited? When your child loses a baby tooth, you should be excited—but what if your little one loses an adult tooth? You may be tempted to take them into a dentist for an implant. While you should take your child to a dentist, they will probably not recommend an implant for younger children.
This is because their jawbones must be fully developed before an implant can be placed. This means that boys can usually have an implant when they are seventeen and that girls can at age fifteen. Fortunately, your dentist can provide options for replacing their missing teeth until their jawbone finishes developing. Also, even if your child doesn’t mind missing a tooth, it is important to take them to a dentist to prevent further complications.
Conversely, there is no age limit for getting dentures. Instead, a dentist will need to examine the health of your gums and to ensure that you have sufficient jaw support. In fact, any adult patient in good health—both overall and oral—can be a good candidate for a dental implant.
If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to contact us soon. We are excited to hear from you.