Did you know that 20% of kids aged 5 to 11 have one or more untreated decayed teeth? Teenagers fare a little better, with less than 15% of them having at least one untreated decayed tooth. If your child loses an adult tooth, can they get a dental implant?
Of course, tooth decay isn’t the only way children lose teeth. Let’s say your child loses a tooth during a basketball game. Someone elbows them by accident, and a tooth comes flying. How can you repair the damage? Is getting a new tooth the solution?
Here at Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence, we have the answers.
Dental implants serve as a long-term restorative procedure for patients missing one or more teeth. They are considered a great alternative to dentures and bridges. Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants consist of a titanium post that replaces the top portion of your natural tooth root cap.
Dental implant procedures have the biggest success rate among younger patients with minimal bone loss who don't require complicated surgery. During the procedure, the orthodontist will remove any remaining tooth particles in pockets between teeth and the gum line.
The area will be cleaned and prepared for a screw that will support the artificial crown. The screw is to be placed on the jawbone, where it will heal and stay. A custom-made tooth will be attached to the screw at a separate appointment.
If everything goes right, the implant should remain there for up to 20 years.
Young children or teens typically do not need dental implants because their jaw still has not stopped growing. Their jaws will become grown and solidified after the age of 16. This is why implants work best for adults who have fully grown jawbones.
Dental implants are not suitable for children, because their bones will grow for the next couple of years. The screws and implants can prevent the child’s permanent teeth from growing normally and make them look crooked. The procedure may even cause your child pain down the line.
However, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry recommends waiting until after adolescence is over before considering an implant. According to new studies, girls should wait until they turn 15 before they get implants, while boys should until they turn 18.
A dental bridge can fix your child’s smile. Bridges aren't drilled into the jaw, which is why they're a much better and painless solution. Partial dentures are also a good option.
However, if the child doesn't mind having a gap between their teeth for a while, the best solution is a device called the “space maintainer." This is a perfect solution for pre-teens, as it maintains enough space for the permanent tooth to grow in.
Your child needs to learn how to take care of their teeth from an early age. The best way to do it is to educate them on the importance of oral health as soon as possible. Dr. Charles Schof has worked with countless children over the years. There’s no dental emergency he can’t handle. If your child loses a tooth or you simply want to help them learn about oral health, feel free to get in touch with our Mandeville office. You can contact us online or call us at (985) 626-4401.
