Cupertino Cosmetic Dentists

Should Lower Second Molars Routinely Be Replaced with Implants?

If for some reason you have lost the lower second molar, replacing it can be a tricky question. One thing I would like to recommend is that you need to replace any missing tooth to prevent the movement of the adjacent and opposing teeth into the empty space. As a law of nature when you loose a tooth, the surrounding teeth will try to fill in the space. The first option to replace the tooth is by an implant as it does not involve grinding down other teeth for support and it is permanent. The second option is a bridge if you have a strong and good third molar for support. The third option is a removable partial denture. The last but not the least is to put a cantilever bridge  but only after very careful evalution of the adjacent teeth and gums.Hope this helps answer your question.

Dalvir Pannu, DDS

San Jose Cosmetic Dentist

Braces Vs Implant

I need braces and a implant,because I have an missing tooth. confuse of what to do first.

Most of the times it is good to do the braces first and then the implants. Doing braces first would actually put the teeth and their roots in the right place and alignment and then the remaining space made can be restored with implants. Since implants are fused to the bone they WILL NOT move with braces whereas natural teeth will. In some cases, teeth behind the space can be pulled forward and make it unnecessary for the implants to be placed.It would be great if you can see the orthodontist first before making any decisions. Hope you find this helpful.

Dalvir Pannu, DDS

San Jose Cosmetic Dentist

Porcelain Crowns Instead of Braces for Gapped Teeth?

I am missing two top teeth. I only have my two front and my canines. Thus leaving a "gappy" smile. I missed out on having braces as a kid, so when I went to my new dentist, he told me that I should just get porcelain crowns to shape the front upper smile (4 crowns).

He said if I get braces, he would still have to shape the two canine teeth anyway, and the whole ordeal would be costly. Is this a bad idea? What are the long term consequences? He said my teeth are healthy, so I don't know if this is the right route to take at the age of 23.

Hi,

Its really nice that you are getting opinions on how to manage a case for missing teeth especially front. Congenitally missing lateral incisors are not uncommon. Since you are young, Orthodontics may be considered to put the other teeth in right place and then close the gap permanently by doing implants. Doing a bridge also helps but then you lose the ability to floss in between teeth as all the three teeth are connected, Although you can floss under the bridge. Doing implants looks and feels more like natural teeth as in terms of not grinding down other teeth for support and flossing teeth which is extremely important fot good gum health. 

Dalvir Pannu, DDS

San Jose Cosmetic Dentist