Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. Fact. So if you have missing teeth, your first choice should be a dental implant. The most common scenario we encounter is to replace a single missing tooth. Why replace the tooth? There are a number of reasons:
 

1. For aesthetics especially if it is a front tooth! 
 

2. To restore function.
 

3. To prevent any further bone loss. 
 

4. To prevent drifting of the adjacent and opposing teeth- yes they can move! 
 

5. To maintain the bite. 
 

6. For psychological well being.

In the case of a missing single tooth, there are a number of simple steps that have to be taken to end up with a new tooth:

1. Careful planning. 
 

2. CT scans may be required if the tooth was lost many years ago.
 

3. Careful placement of the dental implant. 
 

4. Often a waiting period of 6-12 weeks is required for healing. This is called 'osseointegration'. 
 

5. Impressions are then required. 
 

6. Final placement of the crown or a provisional restoration is placed.
 

7. If a provisional restoration was placed, a waiting period of 3-12 weeks may be required prior to the final crown.

For example, just look at our case below to see how a dental implant should look: