If you have one or more missing teeth, you are not alone in having an incomplete smile. It’s estimated that around 178 million people in the U.S. have at least one missing tooth. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with gaps in your mouth. Dental implants are able to replace your pearly whites from root to crown, providing incomparable functionality and stability. But can you still get them if you are older? Here’s what to know about age limits and dental implants, as well as their various benefits.
First Things First: What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacements by most dental professionals. By attaching biocompatible titanium steel posts to your jawbone, the entire structure of the tooth is replaced. Over time, the posts begin to naturally fuse with your jaw in a process called osseointegration. This gives your tooth replacement incredibly strong support for the restoration placed on top of it. Dental implants can replace just one pearly white or restore an entire arch!
Is There an Age Limit for Getting Dental Implants?
In short, no! It is never too late to be a candidate for dental implants. If your jaw is fully developed, you can consider completing your smile with implants. The only thing to keep in mind is that your mouth and jaw need to be healthy and strong for the implants to be successful. If you have had missing teeth for a while, your jawbone can begin to shrink and weaken due to lack of stimulation. However, this still doesn’t take you off the list for dental implants! Your dentist can recommend treatments like bone grafting to strengthen your jaw for implant placement.
The Exceptional Benefits of Dental Implants
Adults of all ages are turning to dental implants to improve not only their smile but their oral health. They offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Appearance: Dental implants are incredibly lifelike. Additionally, the implant allows the restoration on top to mimic the way natural teeth emerge from the gums.
- Stability: Patients can eat, speak, and smile with confidence knowing that their restored teeth are stable and permanently in place.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last for 30 or more years. They can even last an entire lifetime!
- Bone health: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural teeth do when chewing. This prevents the jaw from deteriorating after tooth loss, resulting in a healthier mouth as well as maintaining your face shape.
As you can see, no matter what stage you are at in life, you can improve your smile with dental implants. your first step toward a healthy, strong, and full set of teeth! By visiting your dentist for a consultation, you can discover if dental implants are right for your journey toward a complete set of pearly whites.
About the Practice
Goodyear Family Dentistry is eager to help you keep your smile whole, healthy, and beautiful through the expertise of its two dentists. They provide a comprehensive range of dental services, including restorative procedures. By using advanced dental technology and customized plans, they can restore your missing teeth in-house with dental implants. To schedule a consultation, contact them through their website or call (817) 741-7000.