An accident that results in the loss of a tooth can happen at any age, especially in childhood. While the loss of a baby tooth is relatively benign, the accident becomes much more unfortunate when it involves an adult tooth. In this case, a few solutions are available, including dental implants.
On the other hand, dental implant placement is not a suitable option for individuals of all ages: the steady growth of the jawbone during youth makes this procedure contraindicated in patients who are still at puberty.
Jaw growth and tooth displacement: Dental implants are not recommended at any age
The main reason why dental implants are not recommended during youth is simple: the entire body is constantly growing, including the bones in the face and jaw. As the jawbone grows, the teeth move with the growing bone.
The problem is that the dental implant lacks this ability to move: once placed, it will remain immobile for its entire lifespan. This immobility prevents the implant from adapting to the position of adjacent teeth, which can eventually cause a host of functional and aesthetic complications. For this reason, the dental implant is not a viable solution until the child is fully grown.
However, depending on the nature of the problem, another type of treatment is potentially available to replace a missing tooth. Consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine the best course of action for your child’s condition.
At what age can a dental implant be considered?
There is no absolute answer to this question: the age at which the jaw stops growing varies from one individual to another. On the other hand, an approximate average can be established from 18 years of age.
The right age for dental implant placement is essential to the success of the treatment: contact us to find out for sure!
As mentioned above, the age of maturity to receive a dental implant is absolutely critical to the long-term success of dental implant placement.
If your teenager has just lost a tooth, for whatever reason, please contact us: we can make an appointment to determine whether a dental implant is feasible in their situation, or whether a different procedure is required. In all cases, we will make sure to restore their perfect smile as quickly as possible.
