no adult teeth

[tez_uk]

Hi my 9 year old nephew just found out today that he has no adult teeth apart from 2 front teeth and now has to have 11 teeth out. What could his next step. When could have false teeth in or is it possible to have implanted teeth in. And at what age could be done. Thanks Terri  

[bobbyjoey]

My dad is a dentist and he had several teeth that didn't have adult teeth behind them. He didn't have anything done to them until he was in college.  My nephew had the same thing and waited until he was in college to have dental implants done.  I would NOT have the teeth pulled until they get so worn down it is necessary or until your nephew wants to have it done for cosmetic reasons.  NO replacement teeth will ever be as strong as his original teeth so I'd leave them alone.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

It would depend on when his growth spurts occur.  I would think that every 6 months to a year would be about the frequency but you may want to ask a pediatric dentist initially as he grows up rapidly in his pre-teen years.  

[tez_uk]

Hi thank you for your reply. How regular would you think my nephew need to change dentures as he grows. I know now he's not too bothered about lossing his teeth. I  worry about his teenage years until he could have implants in.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Unfortunately its a rare occurrence but some people are born without teeth.  He would probably need to wear a denture for cosmetic purposes but it'll be a challenge because as he grows, the dentures won't fit and new ones need to be made.  At age 18, he can most likely get implants placed which would be a nice permanent solution.