Dental implants offer patients who are missing one or more teeth a long-term restorative solution. However, dental implants are often unsuitable for young children or teenagers because their jaws are still developing. After the age of 16, their jaws will mature and solidify. This is why adults with fully developed jawbones respond best to implants.
Since children's bones will continue to develop over the years, dental implants are not recommended for them. The child's permanent teeth may not develop normally and may become crooked due to the screws and implants. Your youngster might eventually experience severe pain from the operation. For your child to get an implant, you should wait until adolescence is over.
At What Age Should Teens Get Dental Implants?
Oral specialists suggest that females aged 16 can be candidates for dental implants. On the other hand, males should wait until they are 17 to 18 years old. Girls typically finish growing their bones a few years before boys do. Before undergoing a dental implant treatment, it's crucial to confirm that the jaw has reached its full size. You can find out this information from your dentist or oral surgeon.
What Are Alternatives to Dental Implants for Children?
What other options do you have, as you certainly don't want your child to go too long without teeth? Until your child is mature enough for an implant, you might want to think about space maintainers, bridges, removable partial dentures, or braces as options. A space maintainer is the best option if your child is okay with having a temporary gap in their teeth because it leaves room for the permanent teeth to erupt.
Dental Implants Hattiesburg, MS | About Pine Belt Perio At Pine Belt Perio, our experience and expertise can help you improve or maintain your periodontal health, especially if you suffer from gum disease. Call today! Pine Belt Periodontics, 9 Medical Blvd., Hattiesburg, MS 39401 • (601) 255-9929 • drbrianpitfield.com • 3/26/2023 • Related Terms: Periodontist Hattiesburg MS •
Dental implants offer patients who are missing one or more teeth a long-term restorative solution. However, dental implants are often unsuitable for young children or teenagers because their jaws are still developing. After the age of 16, their jaws will mature and solidify. This is why adults with fully developed jawbones respond best to implants.