Can Dental Implants Replace Missing Front Teeth?

Your front teeth are highly visible when you smile, so if you are missing one of them, it is very obvious. This means that you need a strong tooth replacement option that looks natural. Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there, but do they provide the same results when replacing front teeth? Absolutely! Continue reading to learn more about the dental implant process and who makes a good candidate.

What Is the Process for Getting a Front Tooth Dental Implant?

If you haven’t already lost your front tooth, the first step would be to have your troublesome tooth extracted. After this, the area takes several months to completely heal. This allows for the bone to fill in and solidify to the point that it is more likely to support an implant successfully.

Next, a screwlike dental implant is precisely placed into the jawbone. The implant will need some time to fuse with the jawbone in a process called “osseointegration.” If the bone doesn’t have enough time to densify, it is more likely that you will experience a dental implant failure. During the osseointegration period, your implant will be covered by a protective cap to keep it safe.

After three to six months, your dental implant will have fused to the bone and will be ready to support your new replacement tooth. Your dentist will place a metal connector piece called an “abutment” to the end of your implant so the replacement tooth can be secured to your implant.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Front Tooth Dental Implant?

There are many reasons why you may need a dental implant in the front of your mouth, including the following situations.

• You are missing your front tooth
• Your front tooth is loose
• Your front tooth is severely cracked or broken
• Your front tooth is infected

Most healthy adults are able to get dental implants. Here are some of the characteristics of a good dental implant candidate.

• Excellent Overall Health: Placing a dental implant requires a surgical procedure, so you need to be in good enough health to undergo this surgery.
• Great Oral Health: Cavities can gum disease can increase your risk of dental implant failure. You need to have issues like these addressed ahead of time.
• Adequate Jawbone Density: It’s essential that your jawbone is strong enough to support dental implants for your treatment to be successful.

If you have any preexisting oral health issues, you may still be able to get dental implants. Many patients need to complete preliminary treatments, like gum disease therapy or bone grafting, before getting dental implants.

If you are missing a front tooth, a dental implant is likely the perfect solution. By scheduling a consultation with your dentist, you will have a complete smile again in just a matter of time!

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Eskridge earned his dental doctorate from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has been working in the field for more than two decades! He is a long-term member of the Northwest oral Surgery Study Club, which focuses on the restoration of single implants and complex restorative cases. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Powell, visit his website or call (614) 792-0063.