Tooth loss that results from a traumatic injury or a genetic birth condition is quite a common occurrence. The most commonly observed, congenitally missing teeth are the upper lateral incisors, and the lower second premolars.
Fortunately, there are several available options for the replacement of congenitally missing teeth. These options include removable dental appliances, permanent dental bridges, orthodontic repositioning to close the space, and dental implants. In some instances, these solutions may even be combined in order to successfully address tooth loss. For example, a temporary removable partial may be used to hold the space until a dental implant procedure can be completed.
Although partial dentures and bridges can be utilized to permanently replace this type of missing tooth, there are a number of major shortcomings that should be considered. Permanent bridges generally require significant tooth reduction to the neighboring, healthy teeth. Resin-bonded restorations and removable partials do not typically provide a favorable long-term success rate in terms of stability and esthetics.
Implant dentistry is the only solution that can replace the missing tooth without involving any of the other natural teeth. Dental implants are an appropriate option for tooth replacement in adolescents once they have matured both dentally and skeletally. The age of maturity will vary amongst patients, but is typically during the late teens or early 20’s. For a mature patient, implants can be placed as soon as your periodontist determines that the bone is healthy enough to support the implant post.
Dental implants provide the opportunity to rehabilitate your smile as well as your facial esthetics, and they are the overwhelming treatment of choice for the replacement of congenitally missing teeth. Implants have shown the highest success rate of all treatment solutions, the integrity of the neighboring teeth can be spared, and the cosmetic result is exceptional.
For an evaluation and to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, contact the office of Dr. Brad Crump today.