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 October is one involving dental implants. Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth whether this involves one missing tooth, several teeth or all teeth. After all, what you rather have- a removable plastic plate or a fixed tooth which is almost identical to your own tooth?

Our case is one that spans more than five years and just goes to show how dental implants can look just like natural teeth and how the gum line responds to well planned treatment. Dr Patel replaced a missing canine tooth using an Astra TX implant and over the years the site has improved and actually looks healthier now, over five years on.

The case highlights the importance of proper planning, training, attention to detail and skill when involved with implant dentistry. This is not an easy part of dentistry and takes many years to reach a certain level.

Just take a look at the before and after photographs: