Minimum Age For Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the most popular tooth replacement treatment option among American adults. But what about tooth replacement treatment options for adolescents and children? While tooth loss is less common among adolescents and children, it can happen due to traumatic injuries or a congenital condition. Below is more information on the typical qualifications for dental implant treatment, including the minimum age for patients.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal or ceramic posts that are securely placed into the jawbone during a surgical procedure. Implants are designed to act like the root of new artificial teeth. The implant treatment occurs over a period of several months to a year, with a number of appointments for the surgery and follow-ups. However, the result of this prolonged treatment period is an implant that offers stability, security, and durability that will last for up to 20 years on average.
Qualifications for Dental Implant Treatment
There are many criteria considered when patients are screened for dental implants. Any factors that impact the long-term success of dental implants must be considered, including the patient’s age, patient’s oral health, the number and location of missing teeth, jawbone health, and general wellbeing.
Minimum Age for Dental Implants
The biggest concern with the age of the patient is determining whether they have reached skeletal maturity, or whether their jawbone is fully developed. Implants that are installed before puberty is complete can interfere with future bone development as well as compromising the durability of the implant. Both of these issue may create future dental complications, including:
- Bite problems
- Spaces between teeth
- Bone loss
- Changes to the appearance of the jaw and mouth
Every child is different and grows at their own rate. The growth of the jaw typically continues into young adulthood around the age of 18, 19 or 20. Some patients are in their mid-20’s when skeletal maturity is finally reached. For this reason, it is not recommended that adolescents under the age of 18 seek dental implants unless they have reached skeletal maturity.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
Tooth loss can happen at any age, and there are many tooth replacement solutions available for patients who are too young to get implants. The scenario most commonly recommended by dental providers and oral surgeons is for children who have tooth loss to have a temporary solution until they able to get a more permanent solution like a dental implant. Many dentists and surgeons will work with patients and their parents to develop a treatment plan that works for them, which may include custom-designing and manufacturing a dental bridge or a partial removable denture that will fit comfortably and restore function and appearance.
Patients who wait to get dental implants until they are in young adulthood will be at a lower risk of developing peri-implantitis, one of the biggest causes of dental implant failure, as well as avoiding other possible dental issues. If your child or teenager has recently lost a tooth or teeth, have a discussion with their dental provider about the available options.