Dental implants are remarkable prosthetic devices that can replace lost teeth with beautifully lifelike restorations that look, work, and feel just like the real thing. However, patients will have to meet several criteria before they can receive these devices, and some who wish to replace their missing teeth may have to wait a few years for their jaws to develop sufficiently. Here’s a quick look at why teens will probably have to wait a few years before receiving implants and how your family dentist can maintain their smile until then.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is a small titanium piece surgically inserted into the patient’s jawbone through an incision in the patient’s gum tissue. Once placed, the device will gradually fuse with its surrounding bone structure through the natural process of osseointegration, creating the sturdy hold restorations mounted upon them need to exert maximum chewing power and last for life if they receive proper care. Implants can support a variety of restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Can Teens Receive Dental Implants?
The jaws of most people are not sufficiently developed to receive dental implants until their early twenties, and the bones of men typically take longer to mature than those of women. Placing implants in a jawbone that is not ready to receive them can interfere with its development and lead to a host of complications such as dental misalignments and speaking problems. Because of this, most dentists will decline to place dental implants in teenagers.
How Can My Teen’s Missing Teeth Be Replaced?
Teenagers can lose their adult teeth due to infection or injury, but there are several ways for youths with missing teeth to enjoy a complete smile until they are old enough for dental implants. Your teen’s dentist may recommend a traditional restoration such as a bridge or a partial denture, and it may be appropriate to place a device such as a space maintainer to prevent unhealthy dental drift until they are ready for implants.
Don’t let tooth loss discourage your child from smiling proudly. Consulting with your family’s dentist can help you understand the best ways to maintain their beautiful grin and their oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Tad Morgan earned his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry and completed his general residency at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Bullard offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To learn more about your teen’s options for tooth replacement, contact the office online or dial (903) 825-1112.