Missing tooth

[Evan]

Hi

I have a gap in my lower jaw near the middle, that tooth never came through and the missing tooth was declared absent by my dentist when I was in my teens.

My dentist at the time, said that when I am in my twenties, I should have an implant placed and for the past few years I have been saving up for getting an implant done. I know I also have the option of going for a bridge or a denture but neither of those options seem as attractive as a dental implant, so I would like to have a dental implant.

I would like to know what is the procedure for replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant? How many visits does I need and would the implant tooth look similar to my other natural teeth?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

As long as you have sufficient bone for an implant and no active gum disease or any other contraindication to implants, the procedure for replacing a missing tooth with an implant is as follows:

1. Examination, xray and treatment plan

2. Study models and diagnostic waxup +/- cone beam CT if necessary

3. Implant placement

4. Placement review, removal of retained sutures.

5. Implant crown impressions

6. Implant crown fit

7. Final review and then 12monthly implant review