Conforming to nature when replacing a missing tooth

Dental implants have become increasingly popular in recent years as an effective and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants have become increasingly popular in recent years as an effective and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants are designed to mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth, providing patients with a renewed sense of confidence and improved oral health. However, when it comes to replacing a dental implant, it is essential to ensure that the new implant conforms to nature.

THE CAUSE OF TOOTH FAILURE

When a tooth fails or needs to be replaced, it is crucial to consider a variety of factors to achieve the most natural and successful outcome. The first step is to identify the cause of the tooth failure, which can vary from periodontal disease (gum disease), dental decay or dental fracture. When we replace teeth with a dental implant we always need to consider the following question: How can we ensure the cause of tooth failure doesn’t also pose a risk to the dental implant in the future? For example, if gum disease and poor bone support resulted in tooth loss then we must consider strengthening the gums and bone around the future dental implant to ensure the same problem doesn’t persist again.

BONES AND GUMS SET THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

One of the key considerations when replacing a dental implant is to preserve and restore the surrounding bone and gum structure. The jawbone (alveolar bone) plays a significant role in supporting the implant, and any bone loss can affect the stability and longevity of the new implant. To overcome this challenge, a bone graft may be necessary to rebuild or augment the bone in the affected area. This will not only enhance the success of the new implant but also recreate a harmonious and natural-looking smile. Alongside this treatment we would often also provide a gum graft to improve the quality and volume of healthy gum tissue around the dental implant in a similar way that we provide gum grafts around healthy teeth with gum recession. The 2 treatments to provide gum and bone grafts can often be provided at the same time as having the dental implant which means our patients are able to have the optimum treatment in the most efficient way.

AESTHETICS CONFORMING TO NATURE

In addition to bone preservation, aesthetics play a vital role in the replacement of a dental implant. The artificial tooth, known as the dental crown, should closely match the colour, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth. This ensures a seamless and natural-looking smile that is indistinguishable from the patient’s original teeth. To achieve this, we use advanced CAD/CAM and digital technologies using high-quality materials, such as Zirconia and Emax ceramics, to create custom-made dental crowns. These crowns are then individually shaded and shaped to blend in perfectly with the patient’s natural teeth.

CAREFUL PLANNING TO PROVIDE LONGEVITY AND FUNCTION

Furthermore, the position of the dental implant should be carefully considered to achieve optimal functionality and aesthetics. The implant should be placed in a position that allows for proper chewing and biting forces to be evenly distributed, ensuring long-term stability and preventing any discomfort or complications. Additionally, our team will consider the alignment and angulation of adjacent teeth to ensure that the new implant fits seamlessly into the patient’s overall dental arch.

DENTAL IMPLANTS CONFORMING TO NATURE

In conclusion, replacing a dental implant requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a natural and long-lasting outcome. Preservation and restoration of the surrounding bone and gum structure, customisation of the dental crown to match adjacent teeth, and proper positioning of the implant are crucial elements. By adhering to these principles, patients can achieve a beautiful and functional smile that fully conforms to nature – something our team are very proud of achieving for the many thousands of patients who have had dental implants placed at Infinity Dental Clinic.

Thank you for reading,

Mohsin Patel