I had two front teeth knocked out

Q. I had two front teeth (one of the very front upper pair and the one next to it further away from the centre)knocked out in an accident three years ago. I am 24 and female. The teeth were put straight back in, but despite root canal work, they have not taken properly. I am told I need two implants, but wondered if one single implant might support two teeth and give a better cosemtic appearance. Also, if I need bone implants, will I have to pay privately for this?

A. Implants are a private course of treatment primarily due to the NHS budget unable to afford the costs. 
1 implant may be a possiblitity especially if you have limited space for 2.  You may get a very good result with 1 implant used to hold a 2 unit bridge.  This is of course a cheaper option but also may give a bett3er cosmetic result due to the gum being more stable between the implants.  If implants are too near eachother the gum between the implants tends to form a rather flat appearance rather than a natural scalloped appearance.  The force the implants are under from your bite need to be taken into consideration as a heavy bite may be better treated using 2 implants rather than 1.  An assessment of the bone available , the biting forces, the amount of gum you show and the possibile placement of the implants needs to be carried out before a decision can be made on the best option for you.

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

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