Mandibular implants and the growing patient.

The dynamic relation of the anteroposterior and rotational growth of the mandible to the transverse arch width and dental height changes must be understood before placing endosseous implants in actively growing patients. Research models demonstrate that osseointegrated implants lack the compensatory growth mechanism of the natural dentition. Remodeling associated with skeletal growth in the region of the implant placement site could cause the implant to either become unsupported by bone or submerged within it. Implants placed after age 15 in girls and 18 in boys have the most predictable prognosis. When placed in the growing patient, dental implants should be closely monitored and carefully restored with implant prostheses designed to accommodate growth and development.