Age can be a factor for dental implants, but not in the way you might think. There's no upper age limit for dental implants. There is a minimum age requirement because your jawbone must be fully developed before implant placement. This typically means waiting until your late teens or early twenties.
Age Requirements for Dental Implants
- Minimum age: Dental implants aren't usually recommended for children or young teens because their jaws are still growing.
- No maximum age: Age itself doesn't disqualify you. Many patients in their 70s, 80s, and beyond are excellent candidates for dental implants.
What Matters More Than Age
Your dentist will consider the following factors to determine if you’re a good implant candidate:
- Bone density and quality: Adequate jawbone is essential to support an implant. Bone loss from missing teeth or gum disease can affect candidacy, though bone grafting may be an option.
- Overall health: Certain conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, or immune disorders, can affect healing and implant success.
- Oral health: If you have active gum disease or tooth decay, you will require treatment before implant placement.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking significantly impacts implant success at any age and should be addressed before treatment.
If you’re considering implants and want to see if you’re a good candidate, call Bass & Watson Family Dentistry in Apex, NC, to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.