A knocked out tooth can be a real problem, but you can make your teenager's life easier by getting them a dental implant instead of a bridge or partial denture. The dental implant can last for a lifetime if the tooth isn't rejected and if it's maintained properly, so you don't have to stress about your teen caring for the tooth and other replacement options for a lifetime. Here are a few things you want to talk with the implant dentist about at a consultation.

Is Your Teen Old Enough?

The first thing you will have to find out is whether your teen is old enough to get the implant put in. If they are done developing, they can get the implant. This can be as early as 14 years old for a female, and 17 years old for a male. The implant is fused into the bones, so the bones have to be done growing and they have to be dense enough. If they aren't old enough, you may want to get a temporary tooth replacement option that the teen can use until they are of the age when you can invest in the permanent dental implant.

How Will the Implant Improve Oral Health?

A bridge in the mouth will make it difficult to floss and the gum tissue will still be exposed. With a partial denture the gum tissue can get worn along with the teeth around the dentures. The implant is the healthiest choice for your teen's mouth after their natural teeth. It won't get cavities that need fillings or work, the tooth goes into the gum tissue to prevent damage and the implant is easy to floss around, and it won't get discolored.

The great thing about having your teen get a dental implant is that you're choosing an option for them that they can keep in their mouth for a lifetime. The implant is going to look natural for your teen so they don't have to be self-conscious about what others think, or about having a tooth that is going to look fake. The tooth isn't going to get wiggly or loose when they are trying to eat or do other things with their mouth, and it's easy to fit a teen for a sports mouth guard when they have an implant. Talk with your dental professional to find out if this is an option.