Dentist - Scottsdale
3226 North Miller Rd Suite 1
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-421-0113
Our Blog
Archive:
Tags
- Tooth Abscess (1)
- Dental Emergency (1)
- Bruxism (1)
- Canker Sores (1)
- Communicating With Your Dentist (1)
- Straight Teeth (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (15)
- smile makeover (12)
- dental implants (7)
- Dental Fears (1)
- crowns (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- common symptoms (3)
- oral hygiene (7)
- oral health (13)
- Contouring (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- toothache (2)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (1)
- Hygiene (1)
- mouthguards (1)
- sports dentistry (2)
- dental injuries (2)
- veneers (3)
- replacing teeth (1)
- missing tooth (1)
- dental implant (2)
- dentures (1)
- loose dentures (1)
- overdenture (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- pediatric dentistry (5)
- thumb sucking (2)
- root planing (1)
- power bleaching (1)
- teeth whitening (1)
- bonding (2)
- dental emergencies (1)
- bridgework (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- fillings (1)
- invisalign (1)
- orthodontics (2)
- clear orthodontic aligners (2)
- tooth decay (5)
- tooth decay quiz (1)
- fun dental facts (1)
- baby teeth (1)
- celebrity smiles (5)
- dental hygiene (2)
- bridge (1)
- wedding day smiles (1)
- CAT scans (1)
- bad breath (1)
- root canal (2)
- floss (1)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- braces (1)
- gum disease (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
Categories:
Follow us on the following websites:
Dental implants are in much demand when it comes to replacing missing teeth. And although they have long-term success rates of well over 95% when properly placed, the dental profession's current rule-of-thumb is to not use them as a treatment option for teenagers because jaw and facial growth are not complete.
As with most things in life, timing can be everything. However, having missing teeth as a teen can contribute to significant loss of self-esteem and psychological issues. All this means is that we must review each patient's needs on a case-by-case basis so that we can determine the optimal time to place implants while maintaining your teen's self-esteem. However, the good news is that there are some temporary tooth replacements available until the timing is right for implants.
Unlike natural teeth, which move and change position along with normal growth and jaw development, implants don't. Because implants replace tooth roots by fusing with the jawbone, their position is fixed. If placed before normal jaw growth and maturity are complete, they appear to sink as the jaws grow and leave them behind!
Given the above details, you can clearly see why it is critical for jaw and facial growth to be complete prior to placing a dental implant. To determine this timeline, we will work with our dental team, which include orthodontists (specialist in the study of the growth, development and moving teeth into the right positions). Working together, we will best be able to assess when the time is right to plan and place dental implants — usually around late teens.
To learn more on this subject, continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Teenagers & Dental Implants.” You can also contact us today to schedule an appointment for your teenager or to discuss your questions about dental implants or other treatment options.