Dental implants are a great option for patients that have missing or failing natural teeth. In this case, our patient was experiencing root resorption of his left front tooth and therefore it needed to be extracted. It was decided that a single tooth implant would be the best treatment in lieu of a bridge, as the adjacent teeth were healthy and did not need any treatment.
Front left tooth showing a facial defect due to root resorption. The tooth was not savable and needed extraction and replacement.
Final implant crown is very natural and seamless with the gum tissue and adjacent teeth.
Left front tooth has internal root resorption.
Extracted tooth with large hole from the root resorption.
Titanium implant placed to replace extracted tooth.
Implant Treatment Process
Dr. Gennero works closely with a team of carefully chosen oral surgeons and periodontists to ensure that the implant process goes smoothly; from the planning stage, to surgery, to placing the final implant restoration.
In order to create a restoration that closely mimics the natural teeth, impressions and photographs are taken and models are mounted to replicate movements of the jaw and the way the teeth come together. These records act as a guide for correct implant placement and to design an aesthetic implant crown.
The surgeon may place the implant the same day as the extraction if the bone density is sufficient, or they may opt to add bone, let it heal, and bring the patient back to place the implant at a later visit. Once the implant is placed, a temporary implant crown is worn until the implant has fully integrated into the surrounding bone.
One aspect, of which Dr. Gennero pays special attention, is the gum tissue around the implant site. With front teeth, it is especially important to make the implant crown appear to emerge seamlessly from the gum tissue. The temporary implant crown helps to form the tissue while the implant is healing. Dr. Gennero strives to make the implant crown as identical to the adjacent natural teeth as possible.
The two most difficult tasks to accomplish when making a single front tooth crown, are forming the gum tissue, and matching the tooth color to the adjacent natural teeth. Often patients will bleach their teeth during the healing time so that we can make their new crown in a lighter color. Once we achieve the desired shade and gum contour, our laboratory technician makes the final porcelain crown that is a beautiful, aesthetic replacement for the lost tooth.
Patient Testimonial
I have been a patient of Dr. Gennero for about 5 years. She was recommended to me by a friend who also thought highly of her practice. Dr. Gennero has been a fantastic doctor for me. Her continuing education credits that go well beyond the average dentist, passion for her profession, and her patients, stand out in her field. Whether she is working on a crown, filling a cavity, or performing a simple examination, she handles all of them with the utmost care and compassion. Her staff benefits from good leadership and they are top notch in their own right. They’re a very talented group who goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable and right at home. I would recommend this team to anybody looking for outstanding dental care.
If you are missing teeth, your options for replacement include what many believe to be the best option: dental implants. What makes implants such a great method of restoring missing teeth? There is nothing that combines form and function quite as flawlessly, providing a truly tooth-like look and feel. Since you have most likely at least heard of dental implants, give this quiz from Houston, TX dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero a try to see how much you know.
Dental patients with missing teeth have several options to restore function. Traditional dentures served a great purpose for a long time, but new technology over the years has allowed dentists to provide patients with restorations that closely mimic natural teeth through dental implants. Consisting of biocompatible titanium posts which are implanted into the jawbone to create an attachment point for a variety of prosthetic teeth options, dental implants are sturdy, easy to clean, and keep your jawbone density health. Houston, TX dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero will explain more about dental implants and their advantages.
As November comes to a close, many people begin making end-of-year preparations. This time of year provides an opportunity for people to reflect on the past year while looking ahead to December. Before November completely fades away, more time exists to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. Each year, November serves as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in America. Your Houston and Katy dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, discusses how Alzheimer’s and oral health connect.
1. Implanted Dentures Give Better Security
