A single front tooth missing due to tooth fracture in upper jaw

Background

Before

Mr A lost his upper right central incisor due to an accident. The proposed solution was to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, an implant abutment and finally an implant crown.

Treatment

A dental implant is a screw-like (pin) object made of bone-compatible titanium or ceramic that is surgically inserted (implanted) by the dentist at The Surbiton Smile Centre ®, into the patient’s jaw bone. After it

is firmly integrated into the bone it will take over the function of a normal tooth. Most patients ask how painful the procedure is, and the answer is painlessly. We perform the treatment under local anaesthetic and so it is very similar to the extraction of a tooth. The wound will heal in just a few days.

To insert the implant, the closed membrane formed by the oral mucosa will be opened. (This is the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth.) It tends to heal a lot faster and with less scar formation when compared to skin. Our experienced dentist uses a special drill to create a socket in the bone that will perfectly fit the implant. Once the location has been properly prepared, the implant is inserted and re- covered by the oral mucosa. It generally takes between three and six months for the implant to be firmly integrated into the human bone.

During this time, the Surbiton Smile Centre ® provided Mr A with a temporary denture (or a temporary bridge can also be provided depending on the location of the missing tooth) that allowed him to chew and to speak easily. It is important throughout this phase of healing to ensure that the implant is not under undue pressure which might jeopardize the final integration.

Once the implant has been successfully integrated, the oral mucosa is re-opened directly above the implant, (once again under local anaesthetic) and a post or pillar, called an abutment is placed on top of the implant. The dental crown was then finally placed on top of this abutment.

X-ray showing position of implant

End Result

After

Mr A now has a good fitting crown that recreates the look of a natural tooth in keeping with his other surrounding teeth. Mr A has regular appointments with our hygienist and comes twice a year for a routine dental check-up.

(Note at a later date after the extraction of teeth in the lower jaw, a bridge was inserted.)