I’ve knocked out my tooth, what is the best treatment available?

If your tooth has been completely removed from its socket and there is no hope of reattaching it, then you could benefit from a what’s called a ‘same day’ tooth, which is a technique used by dentists to replace a missing tooth with a synthetic implant in the space of just one day. For recently knocked out teeth, your dentist may try to replace it quickly, in the hope that the ligaments will reattach and the bone reform around the root, but if your tooth has been missing for some time, an implant is the best option available to you.

What is a same day tooth?

This kind of procedure involves fitting a titanium root into the space in the jaw bone, and then a porcelain dummy tooth over the top of it, to create a natural-looking, functional tooth. Although the name ‘same day tooth’ suggests that the treatment only takes one session, there is actually an extended recovery period between the initial fitting and the final outcome. The procedure is referred to as ‘same day’ because a temporary crown is usually fitted to protect the root as it heals, which allows the patient to leave the surgery on the day of their treatment, with a brand new tooth.

Implants like this are made to be the next best thing to natural teeth, both in appearance and performance; they are manufactured using titanium – which is highly durable and resistant to bacteria, it also bonds well with human tissue, and porcelain – which is very hard-wearing and closely resembles the enamel of real teeth. Instead of just filling the vacated space with a dummy tooth attached to some type of dental device, like bridges or dentures do, implants replace the whole tooth, from root to tip, providing a long-lasting alternative that looks exactly like the real thing.

As well as functioning as a natural tooth, same day implants are good for maintaining your natural bone structure; teeth are not just used from chewing and biting, they also encourage bone growth, which keeps your jaw looking and feeling healthy, without them, the bone starts to deteriorate and degrade back into the surrounding tissue. Dentures and bridges don’t help with this problem because they don’t penetrate beneath the gum line, but implants are tremendously effective at keeping the alveolar (supporting) bone, in good condition.

So, same day teeth are better than dental appliances?

If you can afford them, implants are definitely better than temporary devices; they look more natural, they don’t need as much maintenance once they are fully healed, and they are not just a synthetic appliance that creates the illusion of real teeth – they are bonded firmly to the very structure of your face. Unfortunately, because they are so successful and realistic, same day teeth are quite a bit more expensive than other options, but if you can save the money or pay for the surgery in instalments, you’re looking at a more permanent solution to missing teeth.

What is involved in the fitting procedure for a same day tooth?

Before your treatment can begin, the dentist must examine your teeth for signs of gum disease or serious decay, as well as bone deterioration – implants can’t be fitted to an unstable jaw bone, they would fall out fairly quickly. If your jaw has been without teeth for some time, it may be necessary to perform a bone graft, where a sliver of bone is taken from another part of the body and surgically grafted to what remains of the jaw. This added procedure can push the price up, and it can make the treatment take a little longer, but it’s not something that every patient will have to endure, your dentist will be able to determine whether you are in need of a bone graft, using an x-ray.

To begin the implanting process, the dentist will make a hole in the gum line right through to the bone beneath, they will then use a tiny drill to create a socket for the new root to sit in; this all takes place under local anaesthetic, so don’t worry about feeling any pain. There may be some reshaping that takes place at this point, to make sure that the titanium rod will sit firmly, but not uncomfortably, in the new socket. When the dentist is satisfied that the hole is the correct size, they can implant the metal root, which usually comes with a screw thread already cut into it, making it much easier for them to simply turn it until it is sufficiently implanted into the gum line.

A temporary crown is then placed over the protruding piece of the rod, in order to maintain functionality, but also to shield the root as it begins to heal and bond with the bone. It’s important to keep the vulnerable implant clean and protected during the six months it takes to properly heal, any damage or infection can cause serious complications with your treatment, so be sure to follow your dentists instructions exactly.

Implanting a single tooth shouldn’t take too long – considering today’s dental technology, but the surgery could be extended if more than one implant is being placed, in fact, your dentist may even decide to split the operation into two appointments, to minimise the trauma to your gums, and to spread the treatment more evenly over time.

How long should a same day tooth last?

As mentioned earlier, implants will last much longer than dentures or bridges, simply because they a working part of your body, rather than a dental appliance that sits in your mouth every day. A well fitted, good quality tooth should last for several decades, and could last a lifetime with proper care. Keep to an adequate oral hygiene routine and speak to your dentist on a regular basis, then you should have no serious problems with your teeth for a long time to come. If you think a same day tooth could benefit you, organise a consultation by calling the Pearl Dental Clinic today, they provide only the best in dental treatment and top-notch customer care.