Should ive an implant now on a chipped dead tooth or should i have a crown put on it

Q. The question I have for the dentist is whether I should have an implant now on a chipped dead tooth, or whether I should have a crown put on it until the tooth comes out naturally. I chipped my front top incisor and went to an emergency NHS dentist who has cut the tooth straight, and removed the nerve. She said the tooth is now dead, however she would recommend putting a crown on it, and letting it fall out naturally (year or so) not to disturb the gum/give more trauma to the gum, as it is still firmly in, and getting the implant once it falls out naturally. I have also been told by another dentist (just advice, not in person) that in leaving the tooth there, it could become prone to infection, which could potentially spread to the bone, making an implant more difficult later on, so two conflicting accounts. I’m not sure if the NHS dentist isn’t biased somewhat, as they don’t do implants, only crowns, but not sure. I was just after a second opinion really, as to be perfectly honest I don’t mind getting the implant now and getting the whole thing done and dusted. It’s probably also worth noting that the tooth to the side has also been slightly chipped, and will be made up with a composite next to it, not sure if that has any relevance to the main tooth. I also wanted to find out what make of implant you would recommend for this tooth? Is there a huge difference between makes, or ones that should be avoided? Many thanks.

A. I can’t really tell whether an implant is needed now or in the future. However it will restore the tooth more predictably than a crown alone. the make of implant i recommend is Ankylos, it is especially good for immediate placement and loading.

Dr Andrew Moore Advance Dental Clinic 104 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0JG Web: www.advancedentalclinic.com Tel: 08443 87 87 88 View My Profile Dr Moore

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