What it's like to live with
Lower front teeth are small and close together, so people are often told a bridge is the only option. That means filing down the healthy teeth on either side.
The question that mattered
Was there enough bone between the neighbouring roots to fit an implant safely?
What we looked at
A slice of the 3D scan through the tooth, showing the bone around the root, and a panoramic X-ray.
What we decided, and why
Replace the tooth with a slim implant, so the neighbouring teeth stay untouched.
What we did
The tooth was removed and the implant placed in the same visit. During surgery, a guide pin and an X-ray checked the angle and the depth.
What you see now
The X-ray shows the implant sitting between the neighbouring roots, clear of them. The crown goes on once it has settled.
What this means for you
A narrow gap doesn't automatically rule out an implant. Ask for the bone to be measured on a 3D scan before you decide on a bridge.
Every mouth is different. Your plan depends on your own scan.
These photos were taken during surgery. Some show blood.
Questions people ask
Can a lower front tooth get an implant?
Often, yes, if the scan shows enough bone width.
Implant or bridge?
An implant leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched. A bridge needs them filed down. Your scan and gums decide.
Is it done in one visit?
Sometimes the tooth is removed and the implant placed together, as in this case. The crown comes later.
Talk it through with our doctor
Want to understand your options? Sit with our doctor, Dr. Varsha or Dr. Rajesh, at Kondapur or Vizag. No treatment on the first visit unless you choose.
Kondapur: Dr. Varsha Reddy. Vizag: Dr. Rajesh Kumar Y.
Treated at Smile Super Speciality Dental Clinic (Kondapur, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam).