Missing lateral incisors is common and is also treatable. Patients who are missing a lateral incisor may choose to go through treatment and fill the missing space with a dental implant. This is the most common option for treatment, however there are important factors to first consider, such as:
- Smoking habits
- Unfavorable root proximity and/or root alignment, particularly after orthodontic treatment
- Medical contraindications
- Young age (growth incomplete)
- Tooth size and shape
These factors may hinder you from being eligible for a dental implant procedure, which is why it is important to schedule a consultation appointment to understand the best treatment option for you. Once you and your doctor decide that an implant procedure is your best option then treatment will begin.
This procedure involves three main steps. First, the implant, which is made of titanium, is surgically placed in the bone where the lateral incisors are missing.
After several months of healing, the abutment is attached to the implant. Once the implant has healed properly, the restoration is then placed. The restoration is the part that looks like a tooth, and it is screwed or cemented onto the abutment.
However, before this procedure is performed the patient must schedule an initial consultation. To find out more, and to see if this is the best option for you, please contact Virginia Advanced Surgical Arts’ McLean office at (703) 263-8834, Reston office at (571) 595-3223, or Potomac office at (703) 723-5366.
Please watch this brief video, which will provide an overview of the procedure: