One of the common trends we are seeing this year is the increasing popularity of metal free dental implants or zirconia dental implants. The benefits of zirconia include: 

1. Superior aesthetics

• Zirconia is tooth-coloured (white), so it blends seamlessly with natural teeth.
• No risk of a grey metal shine-through, especially in patients with thin gums.

2. Metal-free / hypoallergenic

• Ideal if you want to avoid metals or have sensitivities.
• Very low risk of allergic reactions compared to metal-based implants.

3. Lower plaque accumulation

• The ceramic surface tends to attract less plaque and bacteria, which may help gum health.

4. Corrosion-resistant

• Zirconia does not corrode or release ions, making it appealing for patients concerned about long-term material stability.

5. Good soft tissue response

• Some studies suggest improved gum tissue integration and aesthetics around the implant.
   

Losing a tooth in the back of your mouth can feel frustrating. The lower premolars and molars—the teeth you use most for chewing—are especially important for eating, speaking, and keeping your smile healthy. When one of these teeth is lost due to decay, gum disease, or injury, it’s natural to wonder what the best replacement option might be.

While removable dentures and bridges may be an option , we generally recommend dental implants for replacing premolars and molars, especially in the lower jaw. Implants are small titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots. They are placed into the jawbone and topped with a crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Below are the main reasons why implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing back teeth.
 

Teeth can be lost for various reasons such as tooth decay, trauma, failed root canal treatments or periodontal (gum) disease. The loss of teeth can have a significant impact on not only everyday function but aesthetics and general confidence when out and about. Replacing missing teeth is vital as this will restore function ( eating is important!) , improve aesthetics and prevent the adjacent and opposing teeth from moving into undesirable positions. The latter is a particular problem if the teeth are not replaced for a few years as this will make any dental implant treatment far more complicated.
 

Our case of the month for February 2022 is one involving 2 dental implants to replace 3 missing back teeth. Dental implants are considered the gold standard to replace missing teeth but what are dental implants? Well, essentially implants are the replacements for the roots of the missing teeth. They provide the foundation to allow us to place new teeth on top. Simple? Not really! Dental implant treatment is complicated and requires a huge amount of training, experience and ongoing education. Of course, some cases are more complex than others but in general, here is our workflow from missing tooth to replacement:

1. Full case assessment and records including x rays and CBCT scans.

2. Diagnostic planning on digital software.

3. Manufacture of surgical stent.

4. Surgery - placing the dental implant(s) using the surgical stent.

5. Allow healing of 12 weeks.

6. Take new records.

7. Place implant tooth/ teeth ( try in stage needed for several teeth).

Our case had lost several teeth over many years which meant she was unable to eat on the right side of her mouth. By using 2 dental implants, we were able to provide 3 teeth by 'bridging' the gap. A lovely end result and the ability to chew again! Life changing? Maybe not but certainly life enhancing.
 

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.
 

Our case of the month for December was a stunning one involving the replacement of old porcelain veneers and a dental implant crown for a front tooth.
 

Our case of the month for September involves a dental implant to replace a missing molar tooth. Initially, the tooth was lost due to extensive tooth decay that was not treatable. This resulted in a space which affected eating. Although back teeth are not particularly visible, it is important to replace them for a number of reasons:
 

1. Restore the bite
2. Prevent movement of the adjacent teeth
3. Prevent movement of the opposite teeth
4. Preserve the jaw bone
5. Aesthetics if visible on smiling

In our case, the missing tooth was on the upper right side:
 

Our case of the month for December involves the replacement of a missing lower front tooth using a dental implant. Dental implants are the best way to restore lost teeth; modern day techniques are minimally invasive, quick and virtually pain free. In our case, a lower front tooth was lost due to trauma. As you can see from the photographs, the tooth has been replaced with a virtually identical new dental implant crown.
 

If you are missing teeth, then you have probably already done some research into dental implants. However, unless you have already undergone treatment you may be unaware of what the process involves. Well, we can simply it for you in 10 simple steps:
 

1. Full diagnostic planning - a full clinical examination, x rays, photographs and study models.
2. CT scan of the area.
3. Digital planning on specialist software.
4. Fabrication of surgical stent if required.
5. Place dental implant(s).
6. Allow healing of 12 weeks.
7. Take impressions.
8. Place temporary teeth ( for multiple implants) or final tooth (single implant).
9. Review.
10. Monitor and maintain.

Of course, there are variations to this plan and we can place immediate temporary teeth on the day of implant placement if conditions allow. Dr Nissit Patel has over 12 years experience in placing and restoring dental implants using multiple systems. These include Nobel Biocare, Astra, Southern, Implant Direct, Blue Sky Bio, Straumann to name a few. If you are considering dental implants, we are offering a FREE no obligation consultation with Dr Patel. Restore your smile and confidence today, contact us!