This patient previously had root canals on both front teeth performed by another dentist, but unfortunately, both teeth later developed significant infections. By the time the patient came to W Plus Dental in Washington, DC, the teeth could no longer be predictably restored and needed to be removed.
Dr. John Ku created a treatment plan focused on three goals: eliminate the infection, rebuild the lost bone, and replace the missing front teeth with dental implants.
Here’s how the treatment worked:
- Tooth extractions: Both infected front teeth were carefully removed, along with the infection surrounding them.
- Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): Bone grafting was performed at the time of the extractions to help preserve and rebuild the jawbone, creating a stronger foundation for future dental implants.
- Dental implant placement: After the area healed, two dental implants were placed into the jawbone. Dental implants act as replacements for the natural tooth roots and provide a stable foundation for the new teeth.
- Custom implant crowns: Once the implants fully integrated with the bone, custom crowns were designed to match the shape, color, and proportions of the surrounding natural teeth.
The final result is two fixed, natural-looking front teeth designed to restore both function and appearance. These are screw-retained implant crowns, meaning the crowns are securely attached directly to the dental implants rather than being removable. Dental implants can be an excellent option for replacing teeth that are missing, severely infected, fractured, or no longer able to be saved.
If you have a failing root canal, an infected tooth, a broken front tooth, or a missing tooth, dental implants may be an option for restoring both the appearance and function of your smile. Schedule a dental implant consultation to learn what treatment options may be right for you.