Am I Too Young for Dental Implants?

Posted by AllSmiles

Am I too young for dental implants? I’m 14. I had a bad fall 2 weeks ago during a skateboard flip. I lost 2 teeth on the left front side of my mouth.  I Googled missing teeth and found sites that say implants look like real teeth, so I hope to get 2 implants. My pediatric dentist said I could get something called a flipper for the teeth because I am too young for dental implants. Is this true? Is there something other than a flipper that would work? Thanks Josiah from TX

Josiah – We understand your concerns about wanting replacement teeth that look natural.

Are You Too Young for Dental Implants?

You may be too young for dental implants if your jawbone and face are still developing in your teen years, so you must wait until you are finished growing. Dental implants do not move, so if implants are placed too early—before your jawbone is fully developed—they can interfere with your jaw growth and affect how other teeth erupt. Your natural teeth will move and grow with your jawbone. Also, since implants do not move after you have stopped growing, an implant may look as if it has sunken into the jaw. It will likely be shorter than your other teeth. You will need a temporary tooth replacement for now.

At What Age Can You Get a Dental Implant?

We cannot say precisely how old you must be to get a dental implant. When you’ve finished growing, you can get an implant that looks natural and blends in with your natural teeth. Growth for boys is usually complete in their late teens, but your family history is also a determining factor. Your dentist will take X-rays and consider your family history to determine if your jawbone is fully developed.

You can schedule an appointment with a dentist trained in cosmetic dentistry to discuss your options for a dental flipper that looks as natural as possible.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. Read how they strive to give patients some of the best dental care in Chandler.