Mrs K’ upper left back molar tooth had previously been root canal treated and crowned. She came to Elmsleigh House as it felt loose and was very painful. Dentist Cathleen Perrin determined that her tooth had broken off in the crown, was decayed and no longer restorable. Cathleen temporised the tooth and referred Mrs K to Kit Spears to remove this tooth, as he is one of our oral surgeons with a special interest and talent in this type of treatment.
Kit removed Mrs K’ broken tooth and roots under local anaesthesia. After around 8 week’s healing time, Mrs K returned to see Kit to assess healing and determine the best way forwards. During this time she had found eating on that side difficult and her tongue was not getting used to the feeling of the gap.
Kit discussed that Mrs K’ missing molar could be replaced with a dental implant-retained crown, bridge, denture or left with a gap. The plan agreed was to replace Mrs K’ missing tooth with a dental implant and implant- retained crown. This would give Mrs K a fixed tooth, which would improve the appearance of her smile, support the gum and bone, stabilise her bite and make eating easier.
An x-ray of the area revealed that there was limited bone between her gumline and the base of her sinus (an airspace in her cheekbone). This meant Kit would need to carry out a minor sinus lift, where the base of the sinus is raised in order to allow enough bone for implant placement. This was achieved at the same time as placing the implant in the jawbone under local anaesthesia.
Essentially a ‘bionic root’, this small titanium screw integrates with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration and actively prevents bone loss. This was buried under the gum and allowed to heal for four months.
Kit then uncovered and tested the implant and placed a healing cap, which protrudes through the gum. Impressions were then taken and a colour match performed to make the crown look like Mrs K’ adjacent teeth.
An implant post was securely fitted and the crown temporarily secured to ensure Mrs K was happy with the fit, feel and appearance before securing definitively in place.
Mrs K also had a mouthguard made to protect her upper teeth, and continues to see the dental hygiene team at Elmsleigh House for an effective clean using modern Airflow technology.
Airflow technology directs a fine spray of water combined with the finest of antibacterial powders to gently and effectively remove staining, biofilm and young calculus (tartar) from natural teeth, crowns, fillings, braces, dentures and dental implants.
Looking after dental implants with professional cleaning, a good teeth brushing regimen at home and seeing a dentist for regular check-ups will ensure their long-term health.