subject: Can My Child Have Dental Implants? [print this page] A number of children and adolescents may lose their teeth, usually the front teeth, due to sports injuries or other accidents. In case the fallen tooth cannot be saved by re-implantation procedures, the child may display a big gap when he or she smiles.
The life of an adolescent is filled with issues, and missing teeth can make children feel conscious about their smile, sometimes even leading to low self esteem. That's when many parents think of dental implant treatment for their child (son or daughter).
Dental implants are generally considered to be the standard in dental care, when it comes to restoring missing teeth, as they help prevent bone loss leading to the collapse of the facial structure They usually consist of tiny titanium screws which are implanted in the bone of the jaw, to anchor artificial teeth.
Commonly referred to as teeth implants, dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a series of teeth, or even a full set of teeth. Today, many adults have undergone Tooth implant treatment, and many parents wonder if their children can safely undergo this treatment too.
However, most dentists would recommend dental implant treatment only for people whose jaws have finished growing, using the age of 20 as a general guide. Unlike natural teeth that can move easily because they are attached to a living periodontal ligament, teeth implants are fixed into the bone, and do not typically move.
If teeth implants are placed in a childs jawbone before the growth process of the jaw is complete, then they may impede bone growth, and prevent other teeth from growing into their natural positions.
What Is The Minimum Age For Children To Have Dental Implants?
The minimum age for placing dental implants can vary from child to child, depending upon their growth process and general health. Generally, dental implantologists recommend waiting until a boy is at least 17 years old or a girl is at least 15 years old, before considering dental implant treatment.
It is estimated, that by these ages, the jawbone of a teenager would grown to a point, where the placement of teeth implants should not negatively affect future growth. In the interim, children may be advised other tooth restoration alternatives, such as dental bridges, dentures, or dental bonding treatment, depending on their particular case.
