Mr. Osman, a young and ambitious individual, came to me with a broken upper front tooth resulting from trauma. Upon conducting a comprehensive history and examination, we discovered that the crown of his upper front incisor was fractured, while the root remained intact without any harm to the surrounding structures. Since the broken tooth was beyond repair, we considered replacing it with a prosthesis, specifically an artificial tooth.
After engaging in a thorough discussion, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of various options such as dentures, bridges, and implants, Mr. Osman expressed his desire for the most effective, long-lasting, and cost-efficient treatment. Consequently, I recommended implants as the optimal choice. Implants serve as independent structures, mimicking the functionality and appearance of natural teeth, without compromising the integrity of adjacent healthy teeth. They represent the most advanced and successful method for replacing single or multiple missing teeth. Multiple teeth replacements using implants can be either fixed or removable, providing excellent stability and a remarkably natural aesthetic, ultimately restoring confidence. Furthermore, implants prove to be economical in the long run, as they are not prone to cavities or requiring root canal treatments, requiring only regular cleaning.
Mr. Osman accepted my suggestion, and after careful planning and assessment, we promptly removed the remaining piece of the broken tooth and placed the implant on the same day, ensuring minimal discomfort for the patient. As a result, he left the clinic with a temporary tooth in place, leaving him smiling.
Following an appropriate healing period, we replaced the temporary tooth with a permanent one. I provided Mr. Osman with post-operative care instructions and guidelines for maintaining his implant. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the procedure, appreciating the restored appearance and functionality of his tooth.
(Dr. Alok Mehta, BDS,MDS, is working in Sharjah)