Missing Front Tooth
Replacing an upper front tooth is not something that people put on their to do list. But sometimes it’s necessary.
Accidents do happen due to trauma. And no one likes going around with a missing front tooth.
Decay Can Lead to Tooth Loss
Trauma is not the only reason a front tooth is lost. Sometimes the decay is so great that it just can’t be saved. Another cause of a lost front tooth is internal and external resorption. This is an unusual process that has unknown etiology and is usually devastating. Essentially the process attacks the tooth from the inside or the outside and continues to destroy good tooth structure. For the internal variety, a root canal can be performed if caught early and stop the disease process. This is not a common condition, but I’ve been seeing more of this in the last ten years.
How to Replace That Upper Front Tooth
The routine way for replacement is to first take impressions for a removable 1-tooth partial denture. This is sent to a lab and fabricated prior to the tooth extraction. At the extraction bone grafts are usually done to provide more substantial bone for healing. Once extracted the partial denture can be adjusted and delivered.
After 4-6 months the surgeon evaluates if the bone is secure enough to place an implant. The implant which is usually made of titanium will integrate with the bone (known as osteointegration). This process will typically require an additional 4 month to heal. Then a small healing cap which sticks out of the gum tissue is placed which allows the gum tissue to develop a correct shape. Once that heals (2 weeks or so) the final impression can be taken and sent to the lab to make the final crown. And at last, the crown can be seated. Yes, it takes a good bit of time.
Implants aren’t for Everybody
Before implants a dental bridge is possible. This can be for cases where the bone is not strong enough for an implant. Or a patient doesn’t want to have the implant procedure. An implant is usually preferred because with a dental bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth needs to get a crown. That procedure is not needed with an implant.
Also, some patients just continue with the removable flipper due to finances, fear, or just not wanting to go through more of these procedures.
At Lohmann Dental we evaluate, listen and provide a workable solution that you are comfortable with.