When a Front Tooth Can’t Be Saved

It can be disheartening and even devastating to realize your front tooth is not going to survive. After all, these are the most visible teeth of your smile. Since most patients don’t want to suffer the embarrassment of a missing front tooth, it is important to know your options in tooth replacement.

Dental Implant for Missing Front Tooth

A dental implant can be used as a superior treatment option for a dying front tooth. When a front tooth is severely damaged or dying, and it cannot be saved with other dental treatments such as root canal therapy or a crown, a dental implant may be considered as an effective, long-term solution.

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. It provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth, known as a dental crown, which is custom-made to match the appearance of the surrounding teeth.

Addressing a Dying Tooth

At the office of Dr. Wayne Suway, we work hard to make your dental implant process as seamless as possible. You can expect the following at our Marietta office when treating a dying front tooth:

Evaluation: Dr. Suway will evaluate the condition of the dying front tooth, surrounding oral structures, and overall oral health to determine if a dental implant is a suitable option for you.

Tooth Extraction: If the dying tooth is still present, it may need to be extracted before the dental implant procedure can be performed. In some cases, the tooth may already be missing.

Implant Placement: The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it integrates with the bone over a healing period. This process is called osseointegration and usually takes a few months.

Healing Period: After implant placement, there is a healing period during which the implant fuses with the jawbone. This provides stability and support for the replacement tooth.

Abutment Placement: Once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant. The abutment protrudes above the gum line and serves as a foundation for the dental crown.

Dental Crown Placement: Finally, a custom-made dental crown is created to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The crown is then attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant restoration.

It’s important to note that the dental implant process requires careful planning and assessment by a qualified implant dentist such as Dr. Wayne Suway. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants, and individual factors such as oral health, bone density, and overall health will be considered during the evaluation process.

If you have a front tooth that is damaged, diseased or cannot be saved, call Marietta’s most trusted implants dentist to learn how we can protect the long-term appearance and health of your smile.