For people who have severely decayed teeth or several missing teeth, the All-on-4® dental implant procedure is life-changing.This innovative treatment involves attaching a full arch of prosthetic teeth to the jaw with only four dental implants in a single surgery. All-on-4® provides full smile restoration and all the benefits that go with it. If you love the idea of smiling freely, eating the foods you love, and joining in conversations without the embarrassment of denture slippage, then you may want to consider All-on-4® dental implants. But how old is too old for All-on-4®, and how young is too young? Here’s everything you need to know about whether or not you’re too old or too young to have an All-on-4® dental implant procedure.
What’s the right age for All-on-4® dental implants?
Technically, there are no age requirements for dental implants. Age does play a role, but it’s not the determining factor. Dental implant candidacy is more about jawbone development and jawbone deterioration, both of which are associated with a general age or time of life. So, generally speaking, the “right age” for dental implants is between, say, 20 and 100. Here’s why:
- Dental implants and jawbone development
The success of dental implants requires a fully developed jawbone. Typically, the jawbone finishes developing between the ages of 17 and 20. Before this, if a teen or child has a missing tooth, dentists will provide another tooth replacement option until the jawbone is ready to hold an implant.
- Dental implants and jawbone deterioration
The success of dental implants is also dependent on sufficient jawbone to hold the implants in place. But when missing teeth are not replaced, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Jawbone deterioration tends to result from an accumulation of poor choices affecting oral health. It doesn’t usually happen before middle age or older. When jawbone deterioration does happen, though, bone grafting is sometimes an option to help build up the jawbone prior to the dental implant process.
When it comes to age and All-on-4® dental implants, there’s no minimum age, as long as the jawbone has fully developed. However, the dental deterioration that necessitates the All-on-4® procedure is not typically seen in young people.
And how old is too old for All-on-4®? The answer is never. A reasonably healthy person in good oral health can improve their smile and their quality of life with dental implants no matter how old they are. And All-on-4® is a particularly great choice for those looking to replace a full arch of teeth because it’s done in a single surgery.
Other factors affecting All-on-4® candidacy
While the condition of your jawbone plays a significant role in your candidacy for implants, there are other factors as well. These include:
- Your overall health
The dentist will complete an assessment to ensure you’re in good health prior to your All-on-4® procedure. Depending on your health history, you may need to get a release from your primary physician.
- The health of your gums
You need strong healthy gums to place an implant. Gum disease weakens and dissolves tissue and bones.
- Your commitment to the process
The All-on-4® recovery phase is crucial to the success of the treatment. Talk to your dentist about what’s expected during the postoperative period so you know what you’re committing to.
Are you ready to improve your smile and your quality of life? Come see us at BioDental Care today!
All-on-4® dental implants in Tijuana at BioDental Care
Dental implants are the sturdiest, most comfortable, and most aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option. They do require an investment of time and money, but when you have your All-on-4® procedure in Tijuana at BioDental Care, you’ll pay a lot less than you might guess. At $8000 per arch, our All-on-4® dental implant services cost up to 75% less than what you’d pay in the U.S, and we’re just minutes away from San Diego.
At BioDental Care, we offer premium implant services in Tijuana, and we’re committed to excellence in dentistry and the highest quality patient care. Give us a call at 619-754-8508 to schedule a consultation today.
