I need a tooth extraction and cant have implants will a denture look terrible?

Q. I need to have my left front tooth and left incisor extracted due to movement from gum disease would like implants but have not enough bone to support them would dentures alter my appearance and look terrible have at the moment six porcelain crowns? JW

A. Dear J W,

A well-made denture can be a very aesthetic solution to a bone loss problem as the lost bone can be “incorporated” into the design of the denture. If room allows a very aesthetic solution is using a denture with precision attachments to invisibly hold the denture in place. It will still be removable and should be removed at night time.

The other option could be a bridge if your dentist can get your gum disease under control. However you would probably require a certain amount of bone grafting in the area you are losing the teeth to create a good cosmetic result , especially if you have a gummy smile.

Sometimes we are able to graft bone in the area where you have lost teeth to replace the lost bone and still place implants. Has this option being discussed? It may not be possible due to anatomical restrictions.

Regards,

Dr Julian Caplan BDS
Aviva Cosmetic Dentistry
Director on the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

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This post was published on Sunday, March 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pmand is filed under Dr Caplan's Answers, Experts Answers, Q. Dental Implants, Q. Dentures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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