While dental implants are considered the optimal replacement option for many adults who are missing one or more of their permanent teeth, they may not be a good solution for children or adolescents who are missing permanent teeth, either due to injury or an intrinsic condition. Dental implants might be an appropriate treatment solution, but there are other factors that need to be considered. Age must be taken into consideration, in addition to important elements like overall health, oral health, and the number and location of missing teeth. While dental implants may not be recommended for some younger people, temporary dental restoration options can help literally bridge the gap while a patient waits to be ready to receive dental implants.
Any patient who wishes to receive dental implants should have a fully developed jawbone, having reached skeletal maturity. If dental implants are put in place before the jaw has finished developing, the implants can impede bone development and result in complications that could compromise their own success. These developmental complications include issues with the bite, spaces in the teeth, visible changes in the face, and loss of bone around the dental implant. The growth of the jaw usually stops by late adolescence, usually by the age of 20, though in some patients, skeletal maturity is not complete until the mid-20s. Some patients mature more quickly, but it is rare for patients to be suitable candidates for dental implants before the age of 18. Dentists use x-rays and other assessments to determine whether the skeleton is fully developed and bone growth is complete, which indicates that the patient may be prepared for dental implant treatment.
For patients who are too young to receive dental implants but are still suffering from the effects of tooth loss, there are other options. While an adolescent with a missing tooth waits for their body to be physically mature enough to receive dental implants, a general dentist can custom-craft a dental bridge or some type of removable partial denture to return the dentition to functionality and restore the appearance of the smile. The patient should continue to work closely with the dentist, as dental implants can be strongly recommended for young people whose bones have fully developed. The risk of complications with dental implant surgery are significantly lower for young patients, and the long-term benefits of dental implants can be enjoyed for many years.
In addition to restoring the appearance of the smile, dental implants can help maintain the health of the jaw by stimulating the growth of healthy bone tissue as the artificial teeth they support perform the basic functions of biting and chewing. This helps preserve the appearance of the face and prevent the bone deterioration that often accompanies tooth loss and denture wearing, and it also encourages a healthy, balanced diet by making eating a more enjoyable experience. While dental implants may not be recommended for most people under the age of 18, there is no age that is too old for dental implants. Any patient who is in good overall health could be a solid candidate for dental implants, and even some patients with compromised health may be able to safely receive dental implants following medical treatment. If you’re missing one or more of your natural teeth, it’s always worth it to ask your dentist if you might be a good candidate for dental implants, either immediately or at some point in the not-too-distant future.