Dental implants for children with amelogenesis imperfecta?

Last Updated: Feb 22, 2016

I have 2 daughters both with amelogenesis imperfecta turning 10 yo and 13 yo. All treatments to this point have been a waste of money. Both have small teeth, small mouths, overlapping teeth and some are coming in sideways due to lack of room. The teeth are sharp, sensitive and very difficult to keep down the plaque. My husband was born with this and endured a lifetime of dental visits until he had 15 dental implants put in at 35 yo and has never been happier to be rid of the rotten taste in his mouth and his were all crowned, but started breaking off at the gum line with the crown intact. Is there a different age that would be beneficial when all the teeth are being replaced so that the implants are put in and the teeth would be adjusted as they grow?? We are desperate in looking for a permanent solution.

8 Comments on Dental implants for children with amelogenesis imperfecta?

Comments Closed

New comments are currently closed for this post.

KMA

02/23/2016

Permanent dental implants can not be placed until a child stops growing. In females this is usually around menarche (first menstrual cycle), but a wrist x-ray should be taken to confirm growth has been completed before placing implants. If growth is not complete, the jaw bones will continue to grow, while the implants will stay in their original positions, leading to cosmetic and functional problems. Implants (locators) may placed on a temporary basis in younger patients to help retain a removable prosthesis, anticipating comprehensive implant therapy once growth is complete.

perioprosth

02/23/2016

KMA, with respect to what you said, which is mostly correct, i would like to refer you to some of the publications by ODET BAHAT, in regard to growth and dental implants.

Gregori Kurtzman, DDS, MA

02/23/2016

Use of Locators will offer no advantage to the pt verses a fixed approach. Mini implants can be used with a lab processed acrylic temp bridge which will help maintain bone and later they can be replaced with standard implants

perioprosth

02/23/2016

find a Prosthodontist in your area to consult about timing, type of treatment and options. they have extensive postgraduate training to treatment plan cases like this and gather the right specialists to treat your children. it needs a lot of knowledge and experience to treatment plan cases like this. that is the single most important thing you need to know.

Gregori Kurtzman, DDS, MA

02/23/2016

Children that are that young implant placement can result in issues as the cranial growth continues. typically females finish this art age 16-17 and boys 19-22. In a child this young perhaps placing mini implants to help maintain the bone with the understanding that these will need to be replaced with standard implants when they get closer to age 18. Would suggest getting a consult from an orthodontist and periodontist to determine what the possibilities. A cone beam CT (CBCT) would be very helpful to see 3D where the bone is and what can be done.

Bajadoc

02/23/2016

The Ectodermal Dysplasia Foundation has grant monies to help afflicted families. The foundation covered the implants/lab and some overhead for one of my patients, I covered the balance; I think most docs would. We waited until she was 18 to do the fixtures. All looks wonderful 6 years out. She is,however, the worlds best patient!!! Good luck. Perioprosth's advice about finding a prosthodontist is great advice.

FS DMD

02/23/2016

Agree with finding a Prosthodontics to lead the treatment planning. A Periodontist is not necessary.

GTF

02/24/2016

Best option until growth is complete may be use of composite to improve tooth form in teeth selected for retention, extraction of useless teeth, and removable ortho/prosthodontics appliances (a series of them) to guide and accommodate growth. Definitely consult ortho/prosthodontics (ideally one doc who does both).

« dental implants placed side side dental implants failure what are the symptoms »