Localized Tooth Replacements

Chief Concern: Lori lost her right central incisor after several failed root canal treatments including conventional and surgical procedures.

Treatment Received: The tooth was extracted and she wore a bonded bridge during healing.  In one procedure, an implant with simultaneous bone and gum grafting was done. Three months later an implant temporary with tissue contouring was done to optimize the site.  Final photo shows excellent stability and cosmetics 4 years later, after her dentist placed porcelain veneers on the other incisors.

Chief Concern: Angie had root canal treated upper lateral incisors that had many crowns break off and fail over the years.  Now there wasn’t enough tooth structure left to place new ones.

Treatment Received: Both roots were extracted and implants were placed with simultaneous bone and gum grafting to maintain the support and shape of her gums. Ten years after treatment she still has a radiant, healthy smile and perfect bone support on her implants and crowns.

Chief Concern: Mindy lost her lower molar several years earlier and missed the chewing ability associated with it.  She was concerned about the success of replacing it with an implant since she was a heavy smoker.

Treatment Received: Mindy was included in a clinical trial in 2005, when in one surgical procedure, she had an implant and a fixed temporary crown placed (TeethToday-single tooth).  It healed uneventfully (as did almost every other implant in this trial of over 350 implants) and is indistinguishable from other conventionally placed implants and crowns more than 15 years later.

Chief Concern: Shoshana was born without her upper lateral and lower incisors, causing under-development of the surrounding bone as well.  She presented near completion of orthodontic treatment to position her other teeth and create proper spacing for implants to replace missing teeth.

Treatment Received: Dental implants were placed simultaneously with bone grafts and gum grafts to correct for her congenital deficiency. After healing, her dentist made her beautiful, natural-looking crowns in harmony with the adjacent natural teeth.  Six years later, her teeth look, feel and function normally and confidently.

Chief Complaint: Ali knew he had severe bone loss on his upper front tooth as well as an increase in spaces between them. He was told he could not have a cosmetically acceptable replacement without multiple expensive and time-consuming procedures for bone and gum grafting.

Treatment Received: After controlling periodontal disease in other areas of his mouth, “site development” and space management was done orthodontically (in our office) to correct the bone and gum deficiencies.  Once stable, the hopeless front tooth was replaced with an implant, which was subsequently restored by his dentist.  Although not a “perfect” result, Ali smiles with confidence knowing his dental problems are behind him.

Chief Complaint:  Tatiana lost her upper left molars several years ago. She missed her chewing ability on the left side and didn’t like to smile wide.  She was concerned about the success of replacement with implants since she needed additional bone support with a sinus grafting procedure.

Treatment Received: Tatiana had an uneventful augmentation procedure and 3 implants placed. After 3 months of maturation, the implants were restored with an fixed bridge. She is very happy with her function and appearance.