You can lose a tooth for a number of reasons, whether through an accident or as result of poor oral hygiene that has led to decay. Whatever the reason, it is vital that you have it replaced. An incomplete set of teeth will only make eating and drinking more difficult and your teeth might start to shift into the gaps left behind by your vacant tooth.
Partial dentures are an option, but for a permanent solution, you might consider having dentures secured in your mouth using mini implants. These implants act as the root part of your missing tooth and require a pre-drilled socket, into which a pontic (false tooth) can be secured. Mini implants are extremely stable because they are placed tight with the jaw bone so that they will eventually osseointegrate or fuse together.
An X-ray or CT scan will be necessary to assess the area properly and then, under local anaesthetic, your dentist will make a small incision in your jaw. This is where the mini implant will be placed before the jaw is stitched back up. While your mouth is healing, you will wear a temporary replacement tooth. Once your dentist is satisfied that the area is healed and the mini implant is stable, your permanent replacement tooth will be attached to the implant.
Mini implants truly represent a long term solution to tooth loss. The replacement teeth attached to the implants can be treated just like normal teeth and cleaned easily, so you needn’t worry when you are eating.
