« Back to Section 2: What are implants? Replacement of a Single Tooth
Implants can be placed into the jaw bone in a number of ways. Traditionally
the implant is positioned after a tooth has been extracted and the socket
fully healed. The implant is left to heal under the gum for a period
of three to four months. It is then uncovered, a post attached and the
final porcelain crown placed in much the same way as if it were a normal
tooth.
This approach although logical involves more time and therefore more
appointments. In an ideal situation, a tooth can be removed and replaced
with an implant straight away. However, this is only possible where
there is an absence of infection, the mouth is generally clean and there
is sufficient bone around the tooth root itself. The advantage of an
immediate implant is that it is possible in just one visit to remove
a tooth, insert an implant and then attach a post and crown.
The decision whether to immediately place or delay insertion of an implant
depends on a number of factors and no specific rules apply. Immediate
implants have tremendous advantages but must not be used unless the
ideal situation presents itself.
1 Baby tooth. Note the uneven height
of the gum. 2 Photo taken one week later showing
baby tooth extracted.
Implant in position with post and temporary crown.
Note the normal looking gum. 3 Post emerging from gum prior to
impressions
for final porcelain crown. 4 Final porcelain crown in place.
Note how the porcelain emerges naturally from the
gum.
1 X-ray of baby tooth prior to replacement. 2 The implant with post and final
crown in place.
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