When adults lose teeth, the most advanced solution available is a dental implant to fill the gap or support other dental prosthetics. But when children lose teeth they aren't supposed to lose, it's a different story. In general, the dental implant procedure is not recommended for children.

The dental implant procedure relies on modifying the bone of the jaw to allow it to grow around the post of the implant. After the jawbone has stopped growing, this procedure is harmless—but while the bone is still changing, a dental implant will affect the growth process and could result in a misshapen or undersized jaw. For this reason, the youngest a patient can be when receiving a dental implant is in their mid to late teens, with the exact timeframe determined by whether they have stopped growing.

Fortunately, your child still has options. An avulsed tooth—meaning one which has come out of its socket—can often be successfully replaced if it is an adult tooth and quick action is taken. Find the tooth, pick it up without touching any tissue still attached, rinse the tooth in milk or saliva, and keep it moist—in the mouth or a container of milk—until you reach the dentist's office. As long as you go immediately, the tooth has a good chance to survive the injury. An avulsed baby tooth is much less likely to be re-implanted successfully—but since it would eventually have fallen out in any case, the only necessary treatment is to keep the space open until the adult tooth grows in.

Even if your child's adult tooth cannot be replaced, crowns and bridges are an option until they have finished growing. Your child doesn't need to be self-conscious about their smile—modern dentistry offers a range of options besides just dental implants.

If your child has lost a tooth, consult with your dentist right away. Even without dental implants, you child can still enjoy a beautiful, confident smile.

Enterprise Dental Associates offers quality dental care to residents of the Enterprise, AL, area. Their services include general, restorative, cosmetic, and family dentistry. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (334) 347-9564 or send a message online.