Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. There is certainly no doubt about this in the dental field. Why would you want to wear false teeth when dental implants can be used to provide a natural and secure replacement with long lasting results? For example, please take a look at our case study below. Here we have a missing front tooth. This is usually the worst place to lose a tooth. Just look at the result achieved:
 

Missing a tooth is bad enough but a missing front tooth is just about the worse scenario. There can be a number of reasons why teeth are lost from trauma, infection, decay, pain and expired crowns or posts to name a few. However, with modern day implant dentistry, missing teeth can be replaced with predictability and minimal fuss, with a completely natural result. Our case study highlights a missing front tooth replaced with a dental implant and a porcelain crown. In fact, the new tooth looks even better than the previous one!
 

We have a certain expertise in a number of dental fields and dental implants is one of these. Dental implants are widely acknowledged as being the best replacement for missing teeth or failing teeth. For those of you that are not aware of dental implants, here are a 7 facts:

1. Implants are made from titanium.

2. Titanium is bio compatible with the human body. It is also used in hip replacements for example. 

3. The jaw bone is able to grow around and fuse to the dental implants- a process called osseointegration. 

4. Teeth attached to the dental implants are called implant retained crowns. They are not implants. 

5. The success rate of implants is very high, approaching 90% in general and higher. This is one of the highest success rate in dentistry. 

6. The teeth implants will not decay or ever need a root canal treatment. However, general maintenance is required and thorough cleaning. 

7. There are many systems available. Each of these systems will have evidence supporting their success. It is important to discuss this with your dentist. 

Our case study involves the replacement of a back tooth with an Astra Tech dental implant.
 

At Progressive Dentistry, we believe that Dental Implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Much like natural teeth, if you care for them well, they will last a lifetime. Keeping your implants clean is crucial for long term success. It is recommended that your hygienist performs a professional, thorough clean at least twice a year, using specific implant friendly instruments and non abrasive polish. Home care is also very important, so here are some tips for day to day cleaning: 

- Use a rechargeable electric toothbrush and concentrate on brushing the gum line thoroughly 

- An alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash will help to keep your mouth fresh and the gums in good condition

- Ask your Hygienist to show you how to clean in between the spaces around the implant, using interdental brushes and/or floss. Make sure the interdental brush fits snugly into the space, so the sides are kept plaque free.

- A water pick is a great investment to help you remove trapped debris around the implants. Ask one of our team to help you pick the model best suited to you.

Article written by Jenny Wiggins, Hygienist and Therapist at Progressive Dentistry

Our case of the month for June involves dental implants and ceramic crowns. Dental implants are without question, the very best option to replace teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all of your teeth, dental implants should be considered as the first line option. In the past, replacing teeth with implants was a long, drawn out procedure and costly too. However, with the advances in modern dentistry and techniques, the treatment can be delivered quickly, with minimum fuss and is affordable. Our case involves replacing a missing molar with an Astra Tech dental implant and placing an Empress E-max crown on the adjacent tooth. Please view the before and after photos to see what can be achieved:
 

Dental implants are the very best replacement for missing teeth. They can be used in single, multiple and all missing teeth cases. However, the key to success is careful planning and analysis. Our case below highlights a single missing tooth at the front due to an accident.