Replacing missing back teeth is essential. The molar teeth are designed for mastication i.e chewing . Without molars, it is far harder to break down foods for ease of swallowing. This essentially means that the diet will be one of soft foods only and eating will take much longer. This would not be a great look at a New Years eve dinner party! 

Our front teeth are created for incising food i.e cutting. If the teeth in front of the molars are overloaded with excessive force then further problems will result such as cracks, fractures and even teeth splitting in half meaning the loss of more teeth. 

The good news is that molar teeth can be replaced using dental implants to restore chewing function, spread the forces and enjoy those harder goods once again. 

Our case of the month for December is a classic one where the back teeth were lost due to bruxism which severely impaired function.
 

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.
 

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.
 

Eating your favourite foods is one of life's great joys. Perhaps a medium rare steak, crusty bread, raw vegetables or a crunchy apple? Most of us take eating for granted. However, for those with missing teeth, eating may be limited to certain foods only and this certainly is not much fun. There is an answer and they are called dental implants. 

In simple terms, dental implants are titanium cylinders that are inserted into the jaw bone. A phenomenon called 'osseointegration' where bone grows and fuses around the implant means that there is a biological connection that is incredibly robust. Teeth can then be supported onto the implants replacing the ones that were lost. Our case below highlights the difference that dental implants can make. Our patient has lost all of his back teeth meaning that all of the bite and chewing is at the front of the mouth. Our front teeth are designed for incising down onto food (hence called the incisor teeth) rather than chewing. By using dental implants, we are able to replace the missing back teeth and restore the bite. Just take a look:
 

Our case of the month for March is one involving dental implants to replace missing back teeth. Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth to allow you to chew and enjoy your food; after all, there are few greater pleasures in life than eating! Our case was missing a premolar and a back tooth. Just take a look at the great results we achieved:
 

Considering dental implants? We understand it can be a big decision. That's why we offer a free 30-minute consultation with Dr. Patel to answer your questions and discuss your individual needs.

During your consultation:

• Discuss your dental history and goals.
• Receive a thorough examination and X-rays.
• Learn about treatment options, timeframes, and costs.
• See real-world examples of implant success through before-and-after photos.

There's no pressure, obligation, or sales pitch. We simply want to provide the information you need to make an informed decision.

If you choose to proceed:

• Dr. Patel uses advanced technology and techniques such as the Waterlase i Plus for minimal discomfort and improved healing.
• We offer various options for temporary teeth during the healing process, including "teeth in a day" for certain cases.
• Restorative treatment is tailored to your specific needs, prioritising precision and lasting results.
• Dr. Patel has over 12 years of experience and boasts a high success rate in dental implant dentistry.

Ready to learn more? Contact Progressive Dentistry for your free consultation. We offer transparent advice and expertise – nothing more, nothing less.

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth- even ones that were lost many years ago. In the future, we may be able to grow new teeth but for now implants are the solution. Our case study involves teeth that were taken out a few years ago and replaced with implants:
 

Dental implants are the very best method to replace missing teeth. Long term studies have shown that properly planned, carefully placed and well maintained dental implants can last decades. This is not true for the old methods of replacing teeth such as bridges and dentures. Here's why:

1. Did you know that a dental bridge often involves cutting down healthy tooth/teeth to replace the missing tooth? 

2. Did you know that when a healthy tooth is cut down, there is a 20% chance that that tooth will die in the longer term and require root canal treatment? 

3. Did you know that that once teeth are removed, there is a constant remodeling of the soft and hard tissues which is the at the greatest level in the first year? 

4. Are you aware that teeth can drift into the space of missing teeth or over erupt- move up or downwards? This can severely impact on biting and function. 

Dental implants can look just like teeth! Just take a look at our case study:
 

Our case of the month for February is a dental implant case to restore missing back teeth. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth to restore function, aesthetics and prevent further problems of shrinkage and teeth movement. In our case of the month, our patient had lost some back teeth and there was a baby tooth remaining which was about to fall out. This severely impacted on her eating and everyday function. Dental implants were the best way to replace the missing teeth with a fixed and secure final end result. Here are some before photographs: