Many people assume that tooth loss only affects older adults because it tends to occur more frequently among seniors, but the truth is that it can affect patients at any point in their lives. Periodontitis, cavities, and physical trauma are the leading causes of permanent tooth loss and can affect teenagers and younger adults, too.
Dental implants are often considered the ideal way to restore smiles after one or more teeth go missing, but you’re not alone if you’re wondering whether this procedure is considered safe or is recommended for adolescents. Continue reading to learn more about it!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these restorations involve surgically embedding one or more support posts directly into your jaw. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to mend after this procedure, as the mouth must generate enough new bone growth to fully fuse with the rods to anchor them more permanently. This is what gives implants their unique strength, resilience, and longevity.
Then, your dentist can help provide a one-of-a-kind prosthetic, such as a dental crown, bridge, or dentures, depending on how many teeth went missing, that attaches to your implant(s) to close the gaps left behind.
Can Teens Get Dental Implants?
If you have a teenager at home who suffered an injury that knocked out a tooth or they neglected their dental hygiene and lost one or more of them, you might be wondering whether they’re a good candidate for dental implants. But don’t be surprised if their dentist doesn’t approve them for this procedure.
This is because teenagers’ jawbones aren’t fully formed yet, which makes dental implant placement more complicated and riskier. For example, they might not have developed sufficient bone density to support their new teeth, which increases the likelihood of potential failure. As a result, some suggest that youths wait until they’re closer to 18 to 21 years old, when the jawbone has finally formed, before considering this treatment.
How Can Teens Rebuild Their Smiles?
If your child isn’t a good candidate for dental implants right away, don’t lose hope. There are alternative solutions for tooth loss they can still benefit from in the meantime. For instance, many dentists can provide full or partial dentures, which rely on a firm suction against their gum tissues or clip to healthy teeth to hold them in place.
Or they might be fitted with a dental bridge, which contains the required number of restorations positioned between a dental crown on each end, which cements over healthy abutment teeth on both sides of the gap in their grin.
Your family dentist can determine an ideal treatment plan based on your child’s current dental condition and the number of teeth that went missing to help improve their smile’s function and appearance until they’re old enough to pursue dental implants.
About the Practice
Patients at Sage Dental Care benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Kim and Dr. Branco are incredibly accomplished providers who collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including dental implant placement and restoration, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. Their compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver more accurate, comfortable results meant to last. If you or a loved one needs to replace one or more teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (775) 677-0790.