22 Jun 2026
Losing a tooth at a young age — whether through an accident, decay, or a developmental condition — can be a distressing experience. It is entirely natural for young patients and their parents to search online for solutions, and dental implants are often the first treatment they encounter. Dental implants are a well-established long-term tooth replacement option that is supported by extensive clinical evidence. However, there is an important question that many families ask: at what age can a young person get dental implants?
The answer is not simply a matter of chronological age. It depends significantly on the stage of physical development, particularly the maturity of the jawbone. Placing dental implants before the jaw has fully developed can lead to complications that may affect both appearance and oral function in later life.
This article explains the clinical reasoning behind age considerations for dental implants, what alternatives may be suitable for younger patients, and when seeking a professional dental assessment would be appropriate.
In most cases, dental implants are not recommended until the jawbone has fully matured — typically around 18 years of age for females and 21 years or older for males. Premature placement of dental implants in younger patients may interfere with ongoing jaw development. Suitability must always be confirmed through a thorough clinical examination and, where appropriate, radiographic assessment.
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, where they integrate with the surrounding bone tissue through a process known as osseointegration. This integration forms the stable foundation upon which a crown, bridge, or other prosthetic restoration is attached.
The critical issue with younger patients is that the jawbone continues to grow and develop throughout adolescence. If a dental implant is placed before this growth is complete, the implant remains fixed in position whilst the surrounding natural bone and teeth continue to shift and develop. Over time, this can result in the implant appearing to "sink" relative to the adjacent teeth, causing aesthetic concerns and potentially affecting bite alignment.
For these reasons, the general clinical consensus in the UK is that dental implants should not be placed until skeletal growth has ceased. This is typically assessed not by age alone, but through clinical evaluation and, in some cases, serial radiographic records taken over time to confirm that jaw growth has stabilised.
It is worth noting that growth completion varies between individuals. Some young people may reach skeletal maturity earlier or later than average, which is why a clinical assessment is always necessary rather than relying on age as the sole criterion.
Understanding why jaw development matters requires a basic appreciation of how dental implants work at a biological level.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw-shaped fixture that is carefully placed into the alveolar bone — the part of the jaw that houses the tooth roots. Over a period of weeks to months, the bone tissue grows and bonds directly to the surface of the implant in a process called osseointegration. Once this bond is established, the implant functions much like a natural tooth root, providing stability and stimulating the surrounding bone to maintain its density.
The alveolar bone is not static. During adolescence, the entire facial skeleton — including the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) — undergoes significant three-dimensional growth changes. The alveolar bone in particular continues to develop in height and width as the permanent teeth erupt and establish their positions.
Placing an implant during this period essentially anchors a fixed point within a structure that is still actively changing. Natural teeth have a degree of adaptive movement within the jaw, but an osseointegrated implant does not. The result can be an implant that becomes misaligned relative to adjacent teeth as growth continues — a complication that may ultimately require removal and replacement once growth has concluded.
If you are considering implants as part of a longer-term restorative plan, a consultation with a dental professional can help you understand dental implant treatment options at Smileworks and what to expect from the assessment process.
Tooth loss in children and young adults can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding the cause is important in planning appropriate interim and long-term treatment.
Dental trauma is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in young people. Sports injuries, falls, and accidents can result in avulsion (complete displacement of a tooth) or damage severe enough to require extraction. Front teeth are particularly vulnerable.
Severe tooth decay that has not been treated in time may progress to a point where extraction becomes unavoidable. This is more common where access to dental care has been limited or irregular.
Hypodontia — a developmental condition in which one or more permanent teeth fail to develop — affects a small but significant proportion of the population. It most commonly involves the upper lateral incisors, lower second premolars, or wisdom teeth. For patients with hypodontia, long-term treatment planning often involves a multidisciplinary approach between an orthodontist and a restorative dentist or implant specialist.
Failed root canal treatment or chronic infection in a permanent tooth may occasionally result in extraction in a young adult.
Regardless of the cause, it is important that appropriate interim measures are put in place to preserve space and maintain oral health whilst the patient reaches the appropriate stage of development for a permanent implant solution.
Whilst waiting for jawbone maturity, there are several interim treatment options that a dental professional may discuss with younger patients to manage aesthetics, function, and bone preservation.
Removable partial dentures are one of the most commonly used temporary solutions. They can be designed to fill the gap left by a missing tooth, maintaining appearance and supporting basic function. They are generally affordable and can be adjusted as the patient grows.
Resin-bonded bridges (also known as Maryland bridges) represent a more fixed option that involves minimal preparation of adjacent teeth. A false tooth is held in place using a thin metal or tooth-coloured framework bonded to the neighbouring teeth. These are often well-suited to younger patients with missing upper front teeth, as they are reversible and do not interfere with jaw development. You can read more about this option in our guide to dental bridges.
Orthodontic space maintenance may be incorporated into a broader orthodontic treatment plan, particularly in patients with hypodontia, to preserve the gap for a future implant once growth is complete.
Each of these options has its own advantages and limitations, and the most suitable approach will depend on the individual's clinical situation, age, and the location of the missing tooth. A dental professional is best placed to advise on which interim option aligns with the patient's longer-term restorative goals.
As noted above, age alone does not determine readiness for dental implants. A full clinical assessment is required to establish whether skeletal growth has sufficiently stabilised. The methods used to assess this may include:
Clinical observation over time — A dentist or specialist may monitor the patient across multiple appointments to assess whether measurable changes in jaw development are still occurring.
Radiographic assessment — Dental X-rays and, in some cases, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans may be used to evaluate bone volume, density, and any remaining growth activity. Cephalometric analysis may also be used to track facial growth in patients under orthodontic care.
Hand-wrist radiograph or other skeletal maturity indicators — In some cases, an orthodontist may use additional assessments to evaluate the stage of skeletal development.
Once growth is confirmed to have stabilised, a comprehensive assessment of the implant site is undertaken. This evaluates factors including bone quality and quantity at the proposed implant location, the health of surrounding gum tissue, overall oral hygiene, and the patient's general health — all of which influence implant suitability and long-term success.
Whilst this article is intended to provide general educational information, there are several situations in which a professional dental assessment would be particularly beneficial for a young person who has experienced tooth loss or is considering implant treatment in the future:
It is always advisable to seek professional guidance rather than making assumptions about implant suitability based on information found online. Every patient's situation is unique.
One important consideration when a tooth is missing for an extended period is the gradual loss of bone in the area. When a natural tooth root is absent, the stimulation that normally maintains the density and volume of the alveolar bone is also absent. Over time, the bone in that region begins to resorb — a process that can reduce the volume of bone available for a future implant.
For younger patients who may not be candidates for implants for several years, this is a relevant consideration. Whilst complete prevention of bone resorption is not always possible, certain measures may help to slow the process. These include wearing an appropriate interim denture or bridge that helps to distribute forces in the area, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits that may accelerate bone loss such as smoking.
When the time comes for implant placement, if bone volume has reduced, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be required before or alongside implant surgery. A dental professional can assess whether this is likely to be needed and discuss the process. You can find out more about restorative treatment options such as dental crowns at Smileworks which may support your longer-term treatment plan.
Whilst tooth loss in young people is not always preventable — particularly in cases of trauma or hypodontia — there are important oral health practices that support long-term dental wellbeing and help protect remaining teeth:
Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning interdentally each day helps to prevent decay and gum disease, reducing the risk of further tooth loss.
Attend regular dental check-ups. Routine appointments allow a dentist to identify developing problems early and offer timely advice or intervention. The frequency of check-ups will depend on an individual's oral health needs.
Wear a mouthguard during contact sports. A well-fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to protect teeth from trauma. Custom-made mouthguards from a dental practice are generally considered to offer a higher level of protection and fit compared to standard over-the-counter options.
Maintain a balanced diet. Reducing the frequency of sugary foods and drinks helps to protect tooth enamel and reduce the risk of decay.
Do not smoke. Smoking has significant negative effects on oral health, gum tissue, and bone density — all of which are particularly relevant to future implant success.
Follow all post-treatment advice. If interim restorations such as dentures or bridges have been provided, wearing and caring for them as directed supports oral health and bone preservation in the interim period.
If you are also interested in long-term biological factors around implant outcomes, this related article on how the oral microbiome influences dental implant success may be helpful.
In most cases, a dental implant would not be recommended for a 16-year-old because the jawbone is very likely still developing at this age. Placing an implant before growth is complete can lead to long-term complications, including the implant becoming misaligned as the jaw continues to change. There are interim tooth replacement options available for younger patients, and a dental professional can advise on the most appropriate solution until implant treatment becomes suitable.
Jaw growth completion is assessed through a combination of clinical observation and radiographic records taken over time. In some cases, a series of X-rays or cephalometric assessments may be used to confirm that measurable changes in jaw development are no longer occurring. This is a clinical judgement made by a dental professional or specialist, and it is why a thorough assessment is important before any implant treatment is planned for a younger patient.
Dental implants placed in fully matured jawbones are designed to be a long-term solution and, with appropriate care and maintenance, many implants function well for decades. However, no dental treatment can be guaranteed to last indefinitely. Long-term success depends on factors including the quality of the original placement, ongoing oral hygiene, lifestyle factors, and regular professional maintenance. A dental professional will discuss realistic expectations during a consultation.
If a permanent tooth has not emerged as expected, this may indicate a condition called hypodontia, where the tooth has not developed. It may also be related to the tooth being impacted or other developmental factors. Early dental assessment is important in these situations, as specialist care — potentially involving orthodontic and restorative treatment working together — can help plan the best long-term outcome, which may include a dental implant once growth is complete.
Whilst waiting for jaw maturity before placing an implant is clinically appropriate, leaving the gap completely unmanaged for an extended period is generally not advisable. Over time, adjacent teeth may drift, opposing teeth may over-erupt, and bone resorption may occur in the gap. Interim measures such as a partial denture or resin-bonded bridge can help to maintain space, preserve bone, and support function and appearance in the meantime.
The implant placement procedure itself is typically carried out under local anaesthesia. Most patients do not experience pain during the procedure, though individual experiences may vary and a dental professional will discuss anaesthetic options and post-operative care prior to treatment, ensuring patients are fully informed and comfortable. Post-operative discomfort and recovery experiences vary between individuals and are influenced more by the complexity of the procedure than by age.
Understanding at what age a young person can get dental implants involves more than simply knowing a number. The key consideration is whether the jawbone has completed its development — and this is something that must be assessed on an individual basis by a qualified dental professional. Placing implants prematurely can lead to complications that are difficult to correct later in life, which is why a carefully considered, phased approach to treatment planning is so important for younger patients.
In the meantime, effective interim options exist to support aesthetics, function, and bone preservation, and these can form part of a broader long-term treatment plan. Maintaining excellent oral health during this period — through consistent hygiene, regular check-ups, and protective measures such as sports mouthguards — is equally important.
If you or a young person in your care has experienced tooth loss or has concerns about missing teeth, speaking with a dental professional is the most valuable step you can take. Early planning leads to better long-term outcomes. You may also find it helpful to contact Smileworks Dental to discuss the most suitable next step for your situation.
Dental symptoms and treatment options should always be assessed individually during a clinical examination.
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual results may vary depending on clinical circumstances. Treatment suitability, outcomes, and risks should always be assessed by a GDC-registered dental professional during a clinical examination.
Next Review Due: 22 June 2027
