Single Tooth Replacement

If a single tooth is missing and has been replaced with a removable partial denture or a fixed bridge, an implant-supported crown may be a better alternative. Single tooth replacements look and feel natural and function as a natural tooth

• Do not compromise adjacent teeth
• Preserves surrounding bone (replaces tooth root)
• Prevents bone collapse and jaw line recession
• Oral care same as a natural tooth
• Restores a secure natural biting strength
• Restores self-confidence and appearance

This patient had her upper right central incisor knocked out as a child. Over time, the root resorbed, the crown discoloured and she need to have the tooth removed and replaced. Rather than a fixed bridge, she elected to have an implant placed. One the implant osseointegrated into the jaw bone, a porcelain crown was fitted and the aesthetic appearance even at this level of magnification is excellent. The implant anchoring the crown is never seen and functions just like a natural root functions.

Socket Preservation

The area of the jaw bone that holds a tooth in place is called a tooth socket. After a tooth has been removed, the bone that supported this tooth rapidly begins to melt (resorb) away. A socket preservation grafting procedure is performed to reduce the bone loss in the socket.

This procedure is done as gently as possible. In many cases a tooth can be removed gently using newly invented instruments called periotomes. Rather than using a great deal of force with dental pliers (forceps), the periotomes are pushed between the tooth root and bone so that the bone is gently pushed away from the tooth root. The tooth then comes out and the implant can be placed into the residual tooth socket.
There are circumstances that mandate that additional bone be created to address damage to trauma or periodontal disease.  The tooth is gently removed, donor bone is inserted into the tooth socket during the socket preservation grafting procedure. The patient's body uses this donor bone to completely fill the tooth socket which results in less bone loss (height and width). The socket preservation grafting procedure is done immediately after removal of a tooth. There is a waiting period of four to six months after tooth removal before a dental implant is placed into the old tooth's position.