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Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors. Now Want Implants

asked 9 months ago by Implantspace in Portland, OR
Latest answer by Lance Timmerman, DMD
Question viewed 793 times
Tags: choosing a surgeon, congenital, incisor, missing teeth

I am ready to get implants for my congenitally missing lateral incisors. My gaps, #s 7 & 10, were considered too small for implants a few years ago. Now I have two surgeons that say that they could put implants in my space. I want to know which procedure and type of surgeon would best suit my case? I have an Oral Surgeon and a General Dentist (with an Implant Specialty) both willing to do my surgery. The procedures they would do differ.

16 answers to Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors. Now Want Implants

+5

Choose The Right Surgeon For Your Dental Implants

Be very careful who you choose to place your dental implants, ESPECIALLY In this VERY ESTHETIC AREA! First and foremeost there is NO Such Entity as an "Implant Specialty" this is not recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association. BE VERY AWARE of anyone calling themself a "Dental Implant Specialist" A Board Certified Oral and Maxillofaical Surgeon is the most qualified individual for addressing your needs . I do stress the need for... more
Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD

Phoenix Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

drbdorfman.com

+3

Implants for Missing Laterals

Not all dentists will agree with my answer but I would not have implants placed in a cosmetic area such as this without a 3D cat scan done and a software design of the crown and surgical guided implant placement. This will assure the implant is placed properly with the tight space between the adjacent teeth and that the crown will be in the proper place for the best cosmetic result.
Donald L. Wilcox, DDS

Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist

www.desertsmiles.com

+2

Who should place dental implants in my smile?

One of the main factors for a dental implant to look very natural in a smile is the gum tissue surrounding the implant /tooth. When I am dealing with implants in the esthetic zone (smile) I prefer to have the implants placed by a periodontist. A periodontist is a dental specialist that specializes in gum health. I would recommend that you ask your dentist for a referral to a periodontist that can show you before and after photos of implant restorations in the esthetic zone... more
James D. Salazar, DDS

San Diego Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors. Now Want Implants

Here are some of the factors that you need to consider when you want to decide if dental implants are good option to replace missing lateral incisors: -are the roots of the adjacent teeth far enough apart to have room to place an implant -is the width of the bone thick enough as you go from your lip to your pallet -do the adjacent teeth have any gum disease or bone loss If other factors are good but there is not enough bone then a bone graft may be required. Hope... more
Richard Champagne, DMD

Freehold Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Don't make a quick decision!

Your case may seem simple but it can be very demanding. Here are the factors to consider: What is the height and width of the underlying bone at #7 and #10? What is the space between the adjacent teeth? What is the thickness of your gum tissue in these areas. (Bio-type)? What is the distance between the roots of the adjacent teeth? How high does the lower edge of your upper lip go when you smile broadly? Now for the answers. ... more
Dustin Nelson, DDS

Pasadena Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Be Careful

As someone that does a lot of implant restorations, my advice would be to be very careful in choosing the doctor to places your implants. This is a highly esthetic area and you only get one chance to get this right. A poorly placed implant can cause an esthetic nightmare so ask to see photos of several other cases that they have completed to be sure of the final results. Anyone doing this kind of work should be taking photo's. Be sure that the roots of the... more
Gary Nack, DDS

Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Do your homework!

Although you might clinically be a good candidate for implants to replace your lateral incisors make sure you are under the care of a reputable cosmetic dentist to get a natural looking result. Lateral implants require careful treatment planning and coordination between the surgeon and the restoring dentist. Make sure if two doctors are working on the case together that they have done similar cases in the past and can show you before and after pictures of how it turned out. Your lip line... more
Christian Yaste, DDS

Charlotte Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Replacing missing lateral incisors with implants

From the look of your photos #7 seems to be less room that #10. A small diameter implant would be best suited for your situation. I would have the surgeon evaluate your radiographs to verify the tooth root position. If the roots converge on each other then there might not be enough room and more orthodontic treatment to upright the teeth might be necessary. I would also have a periodontist evaluate the area. Your smile line is high and I find that in general periodontists are more... more
Zola A Makrauer, DMD

Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Small diameter implants with proper gum positioning look beautiful

This will be a wonderful opportunity for you. The new smaller diameter implants now make previously difficult placements now possible. Sounds like you have substantiated that with the two different offices. Cosmetics is the key in this area and placing the implant under the tissue at the proper depth so nothing shows of the implant body and the gums appear healthy and so that the length of the tooth from the gums to the incisal (chewing) edge is correct and... more
Scott LeSueur, DDS

Mesa Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Can implants beplaced in small spaces?

Thank you for posting photos. YES , you can place implants there BUT here's a few things to consider: 1) Your bite is not ideal. You lack the proper distance and height between in the anterior upper and lower teeth. When you look at your bite in PROFILE your two front top teeth are angled pointing out. SO if your implants are placed In the surgeon has to work very closely with your restorative ( general ) dentist if you like not to address your bite issue, the... more
Soheyla Marzvaan, DDS

Orange County Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Congenitally missing teeth

improvement in Implant design and structure allowed the industry to manufacture small diameter implant of 3mm giving patients like yourself the chance to replace the missing lateral teeth with a more permanent fix solution. the problem is that these cases are challenging surgically because they are highly aesthetic. The surgeon needs to match both, the clinical length of the restoration IN #7 AND 10, and be able to create a length of a crown that will fit the... more
Edgard El Chaar, DDS

New York Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Replacing missing laterals with dental implants

I am ready to get implants for my congenitally missing lateral incisors. My gaps, #s 7 & 10, were considered too small for implants a few years ago. Now I have two surgeons that say that they could put implants in my space. I want to know which procedure and type of surgeon would best suit my case? I have an Oral Surgeon and a General Dentist (with an Implant Specialty) both willing to do my surgery. The procedures they would do differ. From the pictures it seems like you may have... more
Peter Mann, DDS

Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Choosing a dental implant surgeon is very important

Front teeth can have very high esthetic demands, so a talented surgeon is important. Back teeth don't have as much demands for looks, so most experienced clinicians placing implants are capable. The general dentist you describe may be trained and talented, so don't discount his abilities. However, I would ask for some photos of cases he has done that are similar to yours. This doesn't mean that the oral surgeon should not be considered, as most are... more
Lance Timmerman, DMD

Seattle Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Lateral incisor implants in a "tight" space situation

I call this type of problem 'threading the needle". When space is tight it can be quite difficult to get the implant in "exactly" the right place for an ideal restoration. I would also recommend that this not be done without a Cone Beam CT scan and using a "virtual" implant placement software such as "Simplant" or "Nobel Biocare" to help plan the case just as accurately as possible in every respect. The... more
Clark L. Jones, DDS, MSD

Phoenix Orthodontist
+1

Congenitally missing lateral incisors

Restoration of congenitally missing incisors usually is very challenging and can be achieved with dental implants with narrow diameter. The space between the central incisor and the canine will be the leading factor in treatment planning, and the amount of remaining bone. Majority of situation if not handled properly from childhood, will require additional bone grafting prior to implant placement. In order to achieve natural harmonious esthetic result additional soft tissue grafting is added... more
Olga Kharevich, DMD, PhD

Miami Cosmetic Dentist

www.cosmeticreconstructivedentistry.com

+1

Dental Implants For Congenitally Missing Laterals

Dental implants would be an excellent choice for your congenitally missing lateral incisors. Your case can be challenging due to the aesthetic zone of the missing teeth and the space to work with. There are narrow diameter implants (3mm) now that allow you to fit the implant in narrow areas of bone and attach a crown that looks very natural. I would look for a dentist with lots of experience in cosmetic dentistry to plan out this case for you. The use of a 3D Cat Scan... more
Scott Young, DDS

Houston Cosmetic Dentist

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