Our case of the month for September 2016 involves a single dental implant to replace a molar tooth. Molar teeth are extremely important teeth for chewing and replacing them is vital to maintain function and protect the adjacent and opposing teeth. Single dental implants are excellent at replacing missing molar teeth. The process is usually straight forward and can be described in 5 steps:
 

1. Careful planning
2. Place dental implant
3. Allow healing of 10-12 weeks
4. Take impressions
5. Fit implant crown

Our case is a classic case involving a lower left missing molar tooth:
 

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 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:
 

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.