Orthodontic Forced Eruption For Uneven Front Teeth

Question

I am going to lose one of my two front teeth. It has a failed root canal and the root is cracked. Also it looks a lot longer than the other. I was told I need an implant, but I am afraid that after I get the implant, the tooth will look longer still. What can I do?
Thanks in advance for your help.

G G

Answer:

Dear G G:

When your two front teeth are a different size it detracts from your smile, so I agree that you should make every effort to correct that.

There are two options that are available to you to help you correct this situation.

The first option, and the one I prefer, is to use orthodontics to extrude the tooth.  This stimulates the bone and gums to grow and will make the teeth the same size again. The process is called forced eruption and it is an excellent minimally invasive procedure to improve your situation.  At the end of the forced eruption you can replace the tooth with an implant.  This also minimizes the amount of grafting that you may need.

The other option is called a block graft and it requires a larger surgery to graft the deficient area before the implant is placed.

Forced eruption is definitely the preferred procedure generally.

Hope this helps, and good luck!!!

Carlos Boudet, DDS, DICOI

About Carlos Boudet, DDS, DICOI

Dr. Boudet is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia. After graduating with a DDS degree in 1980, he became a commissioned officer for the United States Public Health Service. When his tour of duty ended in 1982 he received an award for outstanding service. He was asked to serve as Dental Director for Florida Community Heath Centers, supervise the operation of four dental clinics around lake Okeechobee. He established his dental practice in West Palm Beach in 1983 and has been in the same location for 30 years. He is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a member of the Central Palm Beach County Dental Society and a chairman of the Advanced Crown and Bridge course of the Atlantic Coast Dental Research Clinic. His articles on prosthodontics and implants have been published in several popular dental magazines.

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