Dental Implants in Summit, NJ: Is Your Child Old Enough?

Oral health is an essential element in one’s personal development and daily life. It affects the way you eat, talk, and smile every day. Children are part of the susceptible population of dental complications and poor oral practices. Complications include genetic problems, biological influences on teeth development, and/or simply losing one’s tooth due to force or trauma. Very often these dental issues can be treated with dental implants. However, dental implants are not recommended for children before a certain age.

What is A Dental Implant?

Dental implants utilize an artificial tooth. This artificial tooth is placed inside gum tissue to replace the missing tooth's poor functionality. It is important that the gum tissue and bones of the client are healthy, and capable enough to hold the tooth inside the tissue. Once the artificial tooth has settled in the mouth, it can replace the old tooth’s purpose and function like any natural teeth within the gums.

Why Should My Child Wait?

Children continue to develop biologically as they mature into adulthood. This development includes the surrounding bone structures and ligaments that support the oral cavity. Bones of the jaw, which are part of the craniofacial bones, are still maturing from birth to 15-17 years of age. During this time, the implantation of artificial teeth can cause harm to, and impede the growing bones in this body region. The procedure will also halt teeth growth around the cavity.

If you have any questions or concerns about dental implants in Summit, NJ, please give the office a call at 908-522-1155 today.