There are many consequences to a tooth loss, the most obvious are the loss of a confident smile and normal chewing function. Another consequence is that a continued state of bone loss called “Resorption”, which occurs in the jaw bone for the rest of your life. This can lead to difficult problems for denture retention, and bone support when implants are considered at a later date.
In addition, the opposing teeth may continue to erupt into the space left by the missing teeth, thereby encroaching into the anatomical space. This is called “Over Eruption” and can be difficult to correct once it has been established.
The replacement of the missing tooth can be achieved by economical and removable appliances such as a Removable Partial Denture (Plate) or by Fixed Bridgework supported by the adjacent teeth or with Dental Implants. Many people have chosen to have a plate due to financial restraints and most of them have trouble maintaining the plate. Also to bear in mind that wearing a Removable plate or a denture means that you still won’t be able to bite or chew on hard foods as the denture has a “Give” as it mainly depends upon the gums as support.
Fixed Bridge had proven to be an alternative until recent research has shown that the average life span of Bridge work is about 10-12 years and there is usually an unnecessary sacrifice of sound teeth on either side of the “gap”. If there is sufficient bone volume and height remaining to support an artificial tooth, then dental implants are usually the Fixed Permanent choice for good success in the long term.
Dental Titanium Implant to replace the missing tooth.
The missing tooth can be restored by the use of a Titanium implant and the resultant crowns will appear similar to a natural tooth. This would fulfil the aesthetics and functional requirements to stabilize the situation.
The first stage is the Surgical stage wherein the Implant fixture (Titanium Implants) will be surgically placed by means of a highly detailed surgery and we may choose to leave it buried undisturbed as it will need 2-3 months to Osseo-integrate (Fuse) with your natural bone.
The Second Stage will be done after 2-3 months when the implants will be uncovered and a Healing Cap (Abutment) will be connected. After 2 weeks, the Third stage will be done where Implant Crown measurements (impressions) will be taken for your future implant crown. The final stage will be after 3-5 weeks where the Porcelain Implant Crown will be attached to your implant. The advantages of these options are ease of maintenance and the final outcome is that the patient has a permanent fixed tooth that functions almost as natural teeth to restore confidence as well as a fully functional bite.