Thankfully January is over! Longer days are on the horizon and Spring time not too far away. Our case of the month for January involved quite a complex one to replace a missing front tooth using a dental implant. Unfortunately, our patient had an accident causing severe trauma to his front tooth. The tooth could not be saved and required removal. This is a nightmare scenario for most of us but thankfully we have the technology and options available to replace the tooth with a long term solution- a dental implant. In the past, we the option of a bridge was the main method of replacing teeth. This is where the adjacent teeth are cut down to size to literally 'bridge' the gap. However, this is extremely destructive and removes almost all of the supporting structures of the tooth which will almost certainly lead to issues in the future. Of course, there is also the option of a removable partial denture! Realistically, this is not a long term option especially for a young adult.
Replace A Missing Front Tooth Using A Dental Implant
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Removing Existing ToothSo in our case, we had to carefully remove the tooth and allow healing. During this time, we used composite bonding to attach a new tooth to cover the space. Leaving a gap at the front is certainly not an option! |
After Tooth RemovalAfter careful planning using CBCT scans, intra oral scans, digital implant planning software we can make a very accurate surgical stent which allows us to place the implant in the best position possible to facilitate a new tooth on top. |
Dental Implant And System UsedThe implant system we used was TRI implants (Switzerland) and the implant was placed successfully and allowed to heal for 12 weeks. After this time, we take more scans of the mouth so that the laboratory can fabricate the new tooth. Once again, carefully planning and communication is needed for exacting end results. |
Missing front tooth, not looking great with the temporary tooth ( not ours!)
Surgical stent used for exact placement of the dental implant
Dental implant in place with a healing abutment
Laboratory stage - all made digitally
Delivery of the front tooth- note the blanching of the tissues which highlights excellent seating. This will disappear within a day. We also bonded the adjacent tooth- can you see the improvement?
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Treatment completed by Dr Nissit Patel, laboratory work by the Implant Lab. Please contact us if you are missing a single tooth, we can help! |