A Review of the Use of Dental Implants in Children with Tooth Agenesis

Several treatment modalities have so far been introduced for tooth agenesis, among which dental implants seem to be of greater importance. The prognosis of this treatment in children is not however as predictable as in adults because of issues such as higher risk of surgery in younger individuals and continuing growth of jaws after implant placement. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and find out when it is the best time to extract deciduous teeth and place implants in young individuals with tooth agenesis. A search was made in MEDLINE on combinations of the terms ‘tooth agenesis’, ‘deciduous teeth’ and ‘dental implants’ from 1972 to 2009. Publications on the prevalence of tooth agenesis and oligodontia, persisting deciduous teeth and the long-term function of dental implants in children also were added. A total of 123 references were finally included. The information currently available on the placement of dental implants in young individuals with tooth agenesis is mostly based on reports from multi-disciplinary teams and case reports. Implantations for young individuals should be postponed after the completion of the 15th year of age in girls and the 17th year of age in boys. Skeletal growth ought to be completed. Implantation during childhood should be restricted to those patients who may not be conventionally provided with an aesthetically and functionally satisfying prosthodontic restoration due to the large extent of their missing teeth.