Am I Too Old for Dental Implants? Am I Too Young for Dental Implants?
Since dental implants rely on the jawbone for support, we don’t recommend them for patients
who are younger than 18 years old, as their jawbones are still growing and developing.
However, there is no upper age limit to getting dental implants! As long as you are in good
health and have a strong jawbone, patients of any advanced age can be considered a
candidate. Oftentimes, older patients will need preliminary treatments beforehand to ensure
their dental implants have the highest chances of success.
Will I Need A Bone Graft to Get Dental Implants?
The jawbone naturally begins to deteriorate after tooth loss. Unfortunately, dental implants
require a certain level of jawbone density to fuse with and become stable in the mouth. This
is often a problem for patients who have delt with tooth loss for extended periods or as a
result of gum disease. If you don’t have enough jawbone density, a procedure like bone
grafting can help! The only way to know for sure if you need a bone graft to get dental
implants is to come see Dr. N. Patel Cayo for a consultation.
Are Dental Implants Expensive?
Dental implants initially cost more than traditional tooth replacement options like dental
bridges and dentures. However, they often become the most cost-effective option in the long
run! Dentures and dental bridges need to be replaced every few years and don’t do very much
to prevent future tooth loss or oral health issues. On the other hand, the one-time cost of
dental implants can last a lifetime and improve your oral health, which can easily save you
thousands of dollars in replacements and routine oral healthcare costs.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dentures and dental bridges need to be replaced every five to seven years as they gradually
lose their fit. Alternatively, dental implants are designed to last for 30 years or more
thanks to their position in the jawbone. In fact, most patients can expect to enjoy their
dental implants for a lifetime! Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials like
titanium and zirconia, the same materials used in surgeries like hip replacements, so the
body will often accept them without any issues. As long as you practice great oral hygiene,
quit bad habits that threaten your dental implants, and visit us twice a year for routine
checkups, you can easily count on your new smile for decades to come.