Dental implants age limit: everything you need to know
Many patients hesitate to get dental implants thinking they’re too young or too old to receive them. However, are you sure there is a dental implants age limit? Here is everything we can advise you about getting this type of treatment at your age.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is made to replace one or multiple missing tooth, and give a result as close as a real tooth would.
It’s is an artificial root, usually made out of titanium, that is surgically inserted into the jawbone under the gum. It is then used as a root to fix the dental crown to replace one or multiple missing tooth.
Who needs them?
Implants are a smart choice for people of all ages, born without teeth or whose teeth have been removed as a result of tooth decay, infection or injury.
What are their benefits?
Dental implants have many advantages. Studies and researches of more than 50 years have shown that they are the most durable, comfortable and aesthetic solution after the loss of a tooth. These are some benefits:
Conservation of the bone:
They help preserve the bone capital and avoid the risk of sagging of the face. Indeed, unlike a dental bridge which is supported by natural roots or dentures, an implant will reproduce the root of a natural tooth and will serve as an anchor point for a dental prosthesis. This solution avoids the deterioration of the bone. Even if only one tooth is missing, the jawbone tends to melt away gradually.
Comfort:
Dental implants act exactly like natural tooth because the artificial root acts like a real root and makes it possible to chew comfortably and eat a varied diet. Dental implant comfort is then a considerable advantage for patients.
Aesthetics:
Dental implants do not only play the same role as natural looking teeth, they also look like natural teeth. Thanks to dental implants you will be able to smile without embarrassment, and will not have to fear biting into an apple or eating an ice cream anymore.
Is there a dental implants age limit?
There is no age limit to get dental implants, young, adult and elderly patients can all get implants.
Additionnaly, there is no specific maximum age till which implants can be done, however there is a minimum age. It is advised that people under 18 years old don’t get dental implants because their jawbone is not fully grown yet, also known as the skeletal maturity. In special cases, and if the growth is complete, dental implants can be advised.
Skeletal maturity means that the jawbone is fully developed. If dental implants are placed while the jaw is still maturing it may result in the failure of the implant and other complications (biting issues, bone loss around the prosthesis, spaces between teeth). Skeletal maturity differs from a person to another, some patients may achieve it at 18 years old and some in their mid-twenties.
In special cases, and if the growth is complete, dental implants can be advised to people under 18 years old.
How long do they last?
With the right oral hygiene and regular checkups at the dentist, they can last up to 20 years. The life span of dental implants has been proven to be between 15 to 20 years. It depends on many factors such as: the overall health, oral hygiene, nutrition, genetics, and regular dental care.
Dental implants cost
Dental implants are a permanent solution for patients of all ages, however, it can be an expensive solution.
At the EL CEDRO Barcelona clinic, a dental implant cost start at 1 290 € compared to 2 385 € in the UK. To get chepaer dental implants, it is a good solution to look at dental clinic in Spain. Prices are lower while dental team still ensure high quality treatment and professionalism care.
Learn more about dental implants cost.
Q&A
What are the risks of having implants?
In general, the success rate of dental implant placement is around 95%. The risks associated with dental implants are very low. The remaining 5% of cases involve implanting rejections: if the implant does not integrate with the jawbone and falls out.
Am I too young to benefit from implants?
Dental implants are recommended for patients over 18 years old, in order to avoid implant failure and any other complication that can happen if the jawbone isn’t fully developed.
Am I too old to benefit from implants?
There is no maximum age for dental implants, in fact, most patients with dental implants are over 65 years old.
