Why can’t children get dental implants?

Now that dental implants have become the most popular method for replacing teeth, you probably have some questions about how they benefit oral health and who is a candidate for receiving them. Dental implants are incredibly lifelike replacement teeth that can last throughout a patient’s life. Since implants are permanent and rely on well-developed bone to stay in place, this procedure is best for adults – not children. During adolescence, children’s jaws are still developing. If a child were to have a dental implant replace a lost tooth, it would cause many oral health complications. Since our periodontist offers dental implant placement, our team has compiled some answers to commonly asked questions about this tooth replacement method.

Who is a good candidate for implants?

As we mentioned earlier, implants are only used among adults. The best candidates for receiving these replacement teeth are healthy enough to undergo oral surgery, non-smokers, have adequate bone in the jaw, and have no signs of gum disease.

What materials are used to make dental implants?

Dental implants consist of two major components. The first is a titanium post that looks like a screw. This post is surgically placed in the jawbone and it will function as a lost tooth’s root. Since the jawbone ultimately anchors the post, it will firmly support a prosthetic crown. A crown is a tooth-shaped prosthetic that fills in the empty tooth socket and provides a biting surface for eating food. Crowns can be made from metals or white materials like porcelain.

How do patients care for their implants?

Since implants are very much like natural teeth, they are brushed and flossed as normal. Although the implants themselves are immune to bacteria that cause decay, neighboring teeth and gum tissue are still susceptible to infection. This is why people with implants should schedule routine oral examinations to ensure that their oral health remains in good standing.

We are currently accepting new patients. Call our office at 214-443-0876 if you would like to schedule a dental implant consultation with our skilled periodontist.