When it comes to taking care of teenagers and college students, knowing where to draw the line between childhood and adulthood can be difficult. This is especially true when it comes to caring for their health. When are adult solutions to medical problems appropriate, and when should children receive different kinds of care? This is a gray area for many parents.
Here, we examine the topic of dental implants for teenagers and young adults, including the controversy and benefits thereof. You may be surprised at what family implant dentistry experts have to say.
Are Dental Implants Safe for Kids?
To determine if a dental implant is safe for a patient, it’s important to understand the difference between being a child and being a teenager or young adult. Many people finish their dental growth in their mid to late teens, which is what makes dental braces appropriate at this time. Since missing teeth in adulthood are uncommon, dental implants are not usually prescribed for people between the ages of 15-25.
However, losing an adult or permanent tooth at this age can be devastating for both a person’ confidence and their oral health, since teeth may begin to shift as a result. Dental implants can be a safe, reliable option for replacing missing adult teeth in patients of high school and college ages.
So, Why Do People Worry?
The concerns most parents have about subjecting their child to dental implants have more to do with the idea of implants than the implants themselves. Isn’t that only for older people? Aren’t their risks involved? Aren’t there other tooth replacement options?
The answers to all of these are essential yes. Tooth replacement is typically a concern of older adults, but when they happen to teens, it’s great having an option like dental implants. Risks are always involved in medical procedures, but they can be minimized with proper care and guidance throughout the process.
And as always, there are multiple options for treating your child’s tooth loss – including doing nothing. Talk to your Knoxville, TN family implant dentistry provider for more information and to determine if dental implants are the best choice for your young adult.
