Losing a tooth is hard at any age. But when you’re a teen or young adult, it’s devastating! So, what’s the solution? Dental implants. But what age is suitable for a child to get dental implants? What you need is a periodontist in Scottsdale, AZ, to help you sort through everything. But for now, here’s what you need to know.

What Is an Acceptable Age for Dental Implants for Teens and Young Adults?

It’s more than just about the age of your child. What it ultimately comes down to is your child’s jawbone maturity. Your child’s jaw has to be done growing before dental implants in Scottsdale, AZ, are even a possibility. The typical age for this is late teens to early twenties. Some teens might be ready at 17 or 18. But for others, it might be closer to 21 (or older).

Placing dental implants in Scottsdale, AZ, too soon can cause issues like bite problems or bone loss around the implant. So, skipping the implant until your child’s bones are fully grown is imperative (if you want long-lasting results and no permanent damage).

What to Do If Your Child Needs an Implant but Isn’t Old Enough

If your child has a missing tooth, there are alternatives to dental implants you can explore until their bones are mature enough. There are temporary options like removable partial dentures or bridges.

What You Need to Know about Implants in Young Adults

Once your child is in their 20s, dental implants in Scottsdale, AZ, are then an excellent choice for replacing their missing tooth/teeth. In fact, at that age, it is the best time to get implants. Younger adults generally heal faster. And their bone structure is usually solid enough to support implants effectively. Plus, dental implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jaw. This is a huge win compared to other tooth replacement options.

Health matters too. Keeping your child’s gums healthy and avoiding things like smoking will increase their chances of implant success.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Periodontist in Scottsdale, AZ?

If you’re thinking about dental implants for your child, you will need a skilled periodontist to evaluate your child’s dental situation. Then, you will be able to determine if the time is right for getting implants for your child (or not). Please Contact Dr. Pete N. Mellas, DMD today to schedule an exam and consultation. We will then give you a customized dental plan for your child (now and going forward).