When both the tooth and root are missing, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

INSTALLING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP

1: Examination The dentist examines the area and takes one or more x-rays to prepare for the procedure.	2: Implant Surgery The implant is placed in 1 visit, and a temporary tooth is provided if needed for aesthetic or functional purposes. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.

 

3: Impression An abutment is placed and an impression is made and sent to the laboratory for fabrication of the final crown.	4: Installation of Final Crown The last step is to insert the final crown on the implant. You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth.

---

 
ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON IMPLANT

	Tooth-supported fixed bridge A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has a disadvantage in sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of a bridge.
	Removable partial denture A removable partial denture is loosely attached and therefor unstable. The benefits are: adjacent teeth are not affected, and it is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap.