Did you know that sources estimate that about 10% of American adolescents aged 12 to 19 have lost at least one tooth? Unfortunately, the gap in their grin can make them feel self-conscious about their appearance. Not only that, but they might also struggle to eat or speak normally or develop dental misalignments.
Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smiles because of their unique placement in the jawbone. But some patients wonder if this service is safe for teenagers. Continue reading to learn more about whether they are good candidates for this treatment!
How do Dental Implants Work?
Unlike alternative solutions, such as dentures or dental bridges, implants involve surgically placing a support rod into your jaw. It can take several months to recover after this procedure because your mouth takes time to mend your gums and generate enough new bone growth to fully envelop the pole.
Once you have healed sufficiently, your dentist can provide a customized restoration to rebuild your smile based on the number of teeth missing. For example, a single post can be capped with a lifelike dental crown, though several can be used to anchor specially designed dentures or a bridge.
Are Teenagers Good Candidates for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that necessitate oral surgery, and it’s natural to wonder whether teenagers can safely undergo the procedure. The truth is that many providers only offer this option to patients with fully developed jawbones, which doesn’t occur until after puberty.
Getting these restorations requires that you have a sufficiently dense jawbone to help ensure their success, which may not be the case for most teens, whose faces are still developing. This can compromise recovery and increase the risk of adverse effects, such as bone loss around the prosthetic, bite problems, and uneven tooth spacing.
What Is an Appropriate Age to Get Dental Implants?
Everyone is different, so there’s no hard and fast rule on how soon you can get dental implants. However, most people’s jawbones continue to grow until their early or mid-20s, which is often when they reach skeletal maturity. Your dentist might recommend waiting until your jawbone is more fully developed to avoid potential complications.
Thankfully, many providers offer more than one method of closing the spaces in your smile. Options like dentures and dental bridges can improve your mouth’s appearance and functionality until you are old enough to proceed with implants!
About the Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, you and your family benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Buller and Dr. Odenweller collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services using state-of-the-art technology for enhanced comfort and accuracy. They partner with the best local oral surgeons to assist with implant placement, then provide one-of-a-kind restorations designed to look and feel lifelike. You can request an appointment on the website or call (614) 475-1874.