Am I a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

When we’re young and healthy, we tend to take some things for granted. Dental health is one of them. Improper dental care routine or irregular dentist appointments are among the key culprits for tooth decay which may lead to tooth loss which, in turn, leads to various complications.

But advanced dental medicine can give you the opportunity to smile with confidence once again and restore the like-natural functionality and appearance of your teeth and jaw through full-arch dental implant restoration. So what’s the catch? 

All-on-4 dental implants offer stability and structural integrity which patients with missing teeth may lack. Are you a good candidate for All-on-4 dental surgery in Temecula? 

What is the youngest age for dental implants?

We typically perceive tooth decay and the resulting tooth loss as something that happens in old age. But there may also be other factors at play. While lack of proper dental hygiene is the decisive factor for most people, some people are affected by gum disease or other conditions due to hereditary factors.

While there is no upper age limit for dental implants, and the success rate of the procedure in the elderly is as high as it is in other age groups, there is an age restriction for dental implants which applies to the younger patients. The procedure cannot be performed unless the patient has a fully developed, fully formed jaw. Normally, this takes place around the age of 17 or 18, but every individual is different and only a dental implant specialist can determine whether the level of development of a patient is sufficient for the surgery to be done.

Is it ever too late to get dental implants?

In terms of age, it is never too late to get dental implants: even patients in their 90s can have implants done successfully. However, certain factors may make the procedure of getting dental implants more difficult and more complicated (such as bone loss resulting from waiting too long after dental extraction to get the implant placed). In other words, the procedure is still possible but it may take more time and effort for it to be completed successfully.

Before you opt for dental implants, discuss your situation with your dental implant specialist. They will examine you and look at your dental and medical history. Based on that, they will assess the potential of success of your All-on-4 dental implants and give you recommendations accordingly:

• The focus of the examination is not your age but your bone quality, particularly your bone volume and density at the implant site. The osseointegration process makes it possible for the dental implants to become stable and form a strong bond with the jawbone. But the process requires sufficient healthy bone tissue, otherwise the implant or implants may fail.
• One way to counteract the challenge that is bone loss is through a bone graft. In the event that you have suffered bone loss in the past, getting a bone graft is an effective way to greatly improve your chances of getting a successful dental implant.
• Another important requirement is good overall health and good dental and oral health. Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure which may require some preparation, such as keeping your gum disease under control.

Who is not suitable for dental implants?

Out of all the tooth replacement options available, including dental bridges and partial dentures, dental implants are by far the best and most durable. But patients who have suffered severe bone loss may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. 

In the event that you have had dentures for many years, your jawbone may not be healthy and strong enough to support the implants. Namely, since the implants assume the role of tooth roots, they also need stability and support. 

The only way to prevent or slow down the progression of jawbone deterioration after tooth loss is to take immediate action and see a dental implant specialist for an in-depth examination and recommendations for the optimal course of treatment.

Find out if you are eligible for All-on-4 dental surgery in Temecula

Just because your natural teeth are gone does not mean you have to say goodbye to enjoying exquisite wining and dining across Temecula Valley or smiling with confidence when you run into old friends. Make an informed decision in the best interest of your dental health and your future and feel the difference with advanced implant technology and a smoothly executed restoration process. 

All-on-4 dental implants are designed to be a lasting solution which could be the life-changing opportunity you have been hoping for and the best decision you can make. Contact our office today and let us help you take that step.