There’s no explicit age restriction on candidacy for dental implants; there are specific criteria that one must meet to be deemed a suitable candidate. To qualify as an appropriate candidate for implants, an individual must:
- Have a fully-formed jawbone. Again, there’s no specific age at which this happens, though in most cases, it’s between 18 and 24.
- Not suffer from gum disease and otherwise have healthy and strong gums to support a dental implant.
- Have enough density in their jawbone to support a dental implant. (This, in some cases, can be rectified through a bone graft).
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium pegs placed into the jawbone's empty socket after tooth loss. Once in place, over a few weeks, in a process called "osseointegration," these pegs fuse permanently with the jawbone, creating both a completely natural-feeling tooth root and a solid point upon which to affix a tooth replacement (like a dental crown). Implants stand out as long-term tooth replacement options because they tackle tooth loss above the gumline and at the root.
Precisely Placing Dental Implants in Paoli, PA
If you’re in the Paoli area and looking for a skilled and caring dental care team to guide you through the dental implant process, contact dentist Dr. Mehul Shah and the team at M. Shah DMD & Associates to schedule a consultation.