Our Summary

Dental implants are a good solution for replacing teeth lost because of accidents. However, they’re not recommended for individuals who are still growing, as they can sink into the jawbone over time. This risk can be lessened by making sure the person’s growth has stopped and their bite is correct. The timing of when to put in the implant can vary, and depends on factors like how serious the injury was, how much growing the person has left to do, and the condition of the surrounding tissues and bones. It’s important to wait a while after the injury to properly assess how well the nearby teeth are doing.

After a serious mouth injury, a child might need braces to make sure their teeth are lined up correctly. This helps ensure the implant can be placed in the right spot for proper fit and function, and that there’s enough space between the implant and the other teeth. To keep the space and bite stable, the person might need to wear a type of retainer and a mouthguard at night.

Usually, a temporary false tooth is recommended. If a permanent false tooth is needed right away, it’s important that it doesn’t disrupt any leftover growth and allows for proper oral hygiene.

FAQs

  1. Who is not recommended for dental implant surgery and why?
  2. What factors influence the timing of when to put in a dental implant?
  3. Why might a child need braces after a serious mouth injury before receiving a dental implant?

Doctor’s Tip

It’s important to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist to ensure proper healing and successful integration of the implant. This includes avoiding hard or sticky foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. If you experience any pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist right away. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can provide a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

Suitable For

Patients who are healthy overall, have good oral hygiene habits, and have enough bone density in their jaw to support the implant are typically recommended for dental implant surgery. Patients who have lost one or more teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other reasons may benefit from dental implants. Additionally, patients who are looking for a long-term solution for missing teeth and are willing to undergo the necessary procedures and follow post-operative care instructions are good candidates for dental implant surgery.

However, certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer, may affect the success of dental implant surgery. It’s important for patients to discuss their medical history and any existing health conditions with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if dental implants are the right choice for them.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes assessment to determine if they are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
  2. Patient may need to undergo orthodontic treatment to correct any alignment issues.
  3. Temporary false tooth may be recommended to maintain space and bite stability.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to place the dental implant in the jawbone.
  2. Healing period of several months where the implant fuses with the bone.
  3. Placement of abutment and crown to complete the implant.
  4. Regular follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and function of the implant.
  5. Patient may need to practice good oral hygiene to maintain the health of the implant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about dental implant surgery include:

  1. Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery?
  3. How long will the dental implant procedure take?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  5. How long is the recovery period after dental implant surgery?
  6. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the procedure?
  7. How long do dental implants typically last?
  8. Will I need any additional procedures, such as bone grafting, before getting dental implants?
  9. What are the costs associated with dental implant surgery and are there any financing options available?
  10. Can you provide me with information on the success rate of dental implants in your practice?

Reference

Authors: Storgård Jensen S. Journal: Dent Traumatol. 2019 Dec;35(6):376-379. doi: 10.1111/edt.12484. Epub 2019 Oct 14. PMID: 31121083