Our case of the month for August involves a dental implant to replace a front tooth that's missing. It is well known that dental implants provide the very best method of replacing missing teeth, with extensive research over many years placing dental implants at the very top of the success stories in dentistry. Missing front teeth is not only an aesthetic issue (nobody wants a gappy smile!) but also a functional issue. The front teeth are designed to incise and tear food, with the chewing at the back. It is extremely important to have a full set of teeth to enable full function and also look great! Thankfully, dental implants can solve the problem in most cases. Just have a look at our case below:
 

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:
 

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:
 

Are you getting married this year? Have you set the date? Would you like straight, white teeth for the wedding day? If the answer is yes, we can help! Depending on your desires, we can help you achieve a beaming smile for your wedding day. For example:
 

Clean Teeth

A dental hygiene visit is between 30-60 minutes, instantly providing a fresher, cleaner mouth and with full stain removal!
 

Teeth Whitening

The usual time frame for teeth whitening is just 2 weeks. However, for more advanced cases a few extra weeks may be required. Our preferred technique is the take home kit using Philips Zoom gel. 
 

Cosmetic Bonding

Composite bonding can be achieved in one visit- a new smile instantly.
 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain or composite veneers require a time frame of at least 4 weeks from start to finish. In those urgent cases, we can speed things up to 2 weeks. 
 

Cosmetic Teeth Straightening

For mild cases, teeth alignment can be achieved in as little as 6 weeks! In general, it is wise to allow 4-6 months for treatment.
 

Advanced Teeth Straightening

For more comprehensive cases, a period of 8-14 months may be required so plan well in advance! 
 

Dental Implants

Missing teeth can be replaced using dental implants in as little as 3 months. However, there are instances when we can provide a new tooth in a day!

Whatever your needs, we have the answer. Why wait, to achieve the smile of your dreams in time for your wedding contact us today.

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!
 

Our case of the month for January is a dental implant case involving a premolar tooth. The tooth was lost due to infection around a failing root canal treatment. In most cases, the very best replacement for a tooth is a dental implant. After careful planning, a screw retained dental implant was placed. 

What is a screw retained dental implant? Well, here are the advantages: 

1. These types of crowns are screwed directly into the dental implant. 

2. There is NO cement. This is important as excess cement can lead to difficulty in cleaning and cause inflammation around the implant. 

3. The crown is 100% retrievable. This has a great advantages as if the crown needs to be removed for whatever reason, it is simply unscrewed. 

4. They still look natural and life like! Please look at the photos to view how a screw retained implant crown looks and works:
 

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