A Front Tooth Broken Off at the Gum Line
My patient came in after her upper left lateral incisor (tooth #10) broke off right at the gum line. With nothing left above the gums to hold a crown, the tooth could not be saved. She needed a replacement that would look and feel like her own tooth, and she didn’t want to walk around with a gap in her smile while it healed.
A Team Approach to Dental Implants
As her restorative dentist, I plan and design the final tooth, and I work closely with skilled surgical specialists who place the implant. This team approach means every step is handled by the right expert, with the final result planned from the very beginning.
Her Dental Implant Treatment in 3 Visits
Visit 1: Same-day extraction and implant. The broken root was removed and the dental implant was placed immediately, in the same appointment. I made her a clear Essix retainer with a replacement tooth, so she could smile with confidence while the implant fused with her jawbone.
Visit 2: Digital impression. Once the implant had healed, I scanned it with my 3Shape TRIOS digital scanner. No messy impression trays. I then used exocad computer design software to design her crown to match the shape, size, and shade of her natural teeth.
Visit 3: Her new tooth. I delivered her custom zirconia and porcelain implant crown, which combines the strength of zirconia with the natural, lifelike look of porcelain.
The Result
Her new tooth blends right in with her smile. Replacing a single front tooth takes real precision, because it sits right next to natural teeth for everyone to compare. The best part of my job is seeing a result like this, and a very happy patient.
Common Questions About Front Tooth Dental Implants
Can a dental implant be placed the same day a tooth is removed?
Often, yes. This is called immediate implant placement. Whether it’s right for you depends on the health of your bone and gums, which your dental team evaluates first.
Will I have a gap in my smile while the implant heals?
Not necessarily. A clear Essix retainer holds a temporary replacement tooth in the space, so you can smile normally while the implant fuses with the bone.
What is a digital impression?
Instead of biting into a tray of impression material, a small handheld scanner takes a precise 3D image of your teeth and implant. The crown is then designed on a computer for an accurate fit.
Why use zirconia and porcelain for an implant crown?
Zirconia provides a very strong foundation, and porcelain gives the tooth a natural, lifelike surface that blends with your other teeth.
Missing or Broken Front Tooth?
Call my office at 703-522-7733 and my team will get to know your needs and find the right appointment for you. Learn more about our practice at CaringDentists.com. We’re two blocks from the Court House Metro in Arlington.
Dr. Philip Gentry, DDS, FAGD, is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Washingtonian Magazine Top Dentist Hall of Fame honoree, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He has practiced cosmetic, restorative, and family dentistry in Arlington, VA since 1989.
