Is It Okay for Teenagers to Get Dental Implants?

Does your child have one or more missing pearly whites? Although this is a prevalent issue for many people, it can still be challenging for your child’s oral health and self-esteem in the long run. To restore their smile, you can consult your dentist about tooth-replacement options like dental bridges and dentures. You might also be wondering, “can teenagers get dental implants?” Keep reading to learn what to expect from the treatment and what your dentist can do to help!

Can Teenagers Undergo Dental Implant Treatment?

Dental implants are titanium posts that are designed to serve as new tooth roots and can last a lifetime with proper care. On top of restoring missing pearly whites, they can even preserve a strong jawbone and prevent further tooth loss. These restorations, however, aren’t usually recommended for teenagers. Due to their young age, their jaw is still maturing and growing, which can increase the chance of dental implant failure. The metal post requires a stable bone structure to remain firmly in place, and movement from jawbone growth can cause it to come out. To avoid this, most dentists will recommend that teens wait until they’re older.

Why It’s Important to Schedule an Initial Consultation

Whether your child is missing one, several, or an entire arch of teeth, you’ll need to consider replacing them sooner rather than later. The first thing you should do is set up a consultation for your teen. They’ll be able to discuss their smile goals with their dental team, and their dentist can evaluate their teeth, gums, and jaw to determine which restoration option would best address their situation. If you’re set on getting your child dental implants, then you may have to wait until they’re 17 or 18 before they can be considered good candidates. Otherwise, you should consider dentures or a dental bridge to renew your teen’s teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

As one of the most popular, comprehensive, and effective tooth-replacement options, you can expect the following essential benefits from this treatment:

• Durable and long-lasting solution (can last decades to a lifetime with proper care).
• Natural-looking results blend with the rest of your smile.
• Preserve the jawbone and facial structure.
• Restore 80% or more of your biting power.
• Can easily maintain results with regular dental care.

Dental implants are incredibly effective at restoring missing teeth, but your teen may need to wait until they’ve fully matured before they can undergo the treatment. Feel free to schedule their consultation, and they’ll be one step closer to enjoying a full smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Kendrick earned his dental degree from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. He’s also a proud member of several prominent organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He provides a wide selection of high-quality and comprehensive treatments, including dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. If you’d like to schedule an initial consultation, visit his website or call him at 405-732-0431.