Is there an age limit for dental implants?

Dental implants appeal to a wide variety of Westbury patients, but some candidates may worry that they are too old to have the devices placed. Age should not be a concern, though. Implant success rests largely on other factors that are independent of a patient’s age.

The amount of bone in a person’s mouth is the most important aspect of determining whether that person is a viable candidate for dental implants. Because the implant must fuse with the jawbone in order for the implant to last, the jawbone must be sturdy enough to support the implants.

As long as the patient has enough bone, the implant dentist can perform the dental implant placement procedure.

Although bone loss does accompany aging, the phenomenon occurs when the natural teeth are lost and their roots are not replaced for some time, allowing the bone to gradually wear away. Older people who have kept their natural teeth or those who get dental implants shortly after the teeth are lost or extracted are not likely to experience significant bone loss.

Even if the patient does have severe bone erosion, surgical techniques such as sinus augmentation or bone grafts can supplement the remaining bone, giving the patient an opportunity to qualify for dental implants.

At the older end of the spectrum, age is typically not an issue for dental implant candidates. However, patients who are children or early teens may not be appropriate for the appliances. It is difficult to place dental implants in a jaw that is still growing and developing. Those implants could shift over time, or they may not “take” at all, leaving the child with a large gap in the smile. Even so, dental implant placement may be possible in younger patients if it is planned within the context of an overarching orthodontic intervention.


Dental implants offer a number of advantages over alternatives like bridges and dentures. Fortunately, there’s no upper age limit for dental implant patients. Contact Broadway Dental at 516.681.2525 and begin planning your journey to a more attractive smile.


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Broadway Dental

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