Minimum Age or Age Restriction for Dental Implants
For most adults, dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth, and when the patient’s in good health overall, age shouldn’t be a concern; no matter how old you are, dental implants could help you thrive in your golden years. For children or adolescents who are missing a tooth or teeth, however, which usually happens as a result of injury or congenital conditions, dental implants may or may not be a viable option. Dentists consider many factors when determining whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants, including the number and location of the teeth that are missing, the integrity of the jawbone, and the oral and overall health of the patient. For younger patients, dentists also assess the maturity of the bones. In order for dental implants to succeed, the patient should have a fully developed jawbone and overall skeletal maturity, as dental implants placed while the jaw is still maturing can interfere with bone growth and compromise the stability and safety of the dental implants and the overall oral health.
What is Usually the Minimum Age for Dental Implants?
Every body matures at its own rate, of course, and jawbone growth could continue into a person’s mid-twenties, though several patients reach full skeletal maturity by about 18 or 19. Generally, patients under the age of 18 are unlikely to be suitable candidates for dental implants. Dentists use x-rays and other assessments to determine the development of the bone and readiness for dental implant surgery, verifying that bone development is complete before planning the procedure. Because dental implant posts are surgically placed directly in the bone, the integrity of the bone is key to their long-term success. When placed into immature bone, dental implants can cause problems with the bite, clear changes in the appearance of the head and face, spaces between the teeth, and bone loss around the implant, ultimately leading to implant failure and potentially causing lasting damage to the oral cavity and dentition.
What Can I Do If My Child Loses a Permanent Tooth?
If your child has lost a permanent tooth because of advanced gum disease, they should work with a periodontist to restore the health of the oral cavity before considering any kind of dental prosthetic. If your child or adolescent has lost a tooth because of trauma to the face and mouth, or if they are missing a secondary tooth because of a congenital condition, your dentist will evaluate the child’s bone growth and oral health when planning treatment, which could mean waiting a few years for a dental implant. To help maintain the child’s oral function and appearance while they wait for an implant, your dentist can custom-design and craft a partial removable denture or a dental bridge that can be used until the jawbone is ready for an implant. Once the jaw has fully developed, dental implants help young adult patients develop and maintain strong, stable jawbones, and they allow a lifetime of varied, healthy nutritional choices and confident smiles. For most younger people who are missing one or more natural teeth, this long-term solution is well worth a few months, or even years, of stop-gap solutions, providing decades of worry-free comfort while supporting healthy lifestyles and satisfied smiles.
