Step-By-Step: Dental Implants To Replace A Missing Tooth Explained

In this blog I will explain the stages of replacing a missing tooth using a dental implant. I will demonstrate a recent case that we have treated to show the stages involved in this treatment option.

Stage 1: Missing Front Tooth

This patient had to have his central incisor removed due to a chronic infection which had affected the tooth. The tooth had a history of having had treatment for a post crown and after many years, this tooth gradually became irreversible infected. A denture was used to replace the tooth in the interim period. Dentures do not provide a natural or fully functional tooth replacement and therefore, I was asked to replace this patient’s missing central incisor with a fixed solution. A dental implant was the ideal option we decided to use. I will talk you through the stages of the treatment following the initial dental implant surgery.

Stage 2: Dental Implant Placement

A minor surgical procedure is carried out to carefully place the dental implant in the precise location required to fit the future tooth in the correct place. This procedure is normally carried out under local anaesthetic, it is painless.

Following the procedure, the patient experienced mild swelling around the upper lip which had subsided after 3 days.

Stage 3: Gum Healing Following Surgery

Following the placement of the dental implant, the gum will have healed fully after around 10-12 weeks. At this stage you can see that the gum has a healthy pink appearance and the implant is positioned 3mm below the surface level of the gum.

A digital scan of the dental implant and the mouth are taken at this stage and sent to our laboratory. Laboratory has a highly skilled technician who has vast experience in creating natural looking teeth. This will provide them with all of the information required to accurately design and manufacture this patient’s tooth. The restorations are made using the latest digital technology and CAD/CAM milling to provide a tailor-made natural tooth replacement.

Stage 4: The Final Restoration – A Complete Tooth

Finally, a dental crown is inserted into the implant to give the appearance of a natural tooth. Each tooth is tailor made to ensure the shape, color and symmetry matches the existing teeth in the patient’s mouth. The restoration is supported by the strong a fully integrated dental implant that was placed approximately 12 weeks prior to this stage. This titanium implant provides the most natural substitute to a natural tooth root.

We take particular care in preserving the patient’s natural gum contours. The patient’s natural ‘pink’ gum line has provided a life-like seal around the replacement tooth. This is the same characteristics that are found around natural healthy teeth. If this gum line is not recreated then unsightly black triangles would be visible. The black triangles may also encourage food and plaque accumulation therefore, increasing the risk of future dental problems.

The final result is completely natural and it is difficult to tell which tooth is actually the ‘implant tooth‘.

Find Out If You’re A Good Candidate For Dental Implants

To find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and our AO4+ Smile Solution treatment, Call Indianapolis Oral Surgery today to schedule an appointment. We’re more than happy to walk you through the treatment options we have available to find one that is just right for you. We’ll also make sure to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. We aren’t pleased unless you’re completely satisfied!

Call our Indianapolis, IN dental office at (317) 790-2555 for your Complete Dental Implants Consultation with Dr. Falender. You can also contact us online to request an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!