Our case of the month for September is one which involves dental implants to replace missing back teeth. It is crucial to replace missing teeth at the back for a number of reasons. These involve: 

1. To restore function. Without back teeth or molar teeth, it is very hard to chew food. 

2. To prevent unwanted movement of the adjacent or opposing teeth. This could have a detrimental effect on the occlusion (bite) and cause major dental issues for the future. 

3. To prevent the jaw bone from shrinking which can result in causing the soft tissue to shrink. 

4. Aesthetics. Having gaps at the back of the mouth can still be seen. Dark space is not attractive. 

5. For general well being, physical and psychological. In our case, the missing teeth were two molar teeth on the upper right hand side. 

Please view a photograph:
 

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.