Replacing a Long-Lost Tooth with a Dental Implant in Malta
Tooth loss can occur at any age. Very often, it occurs unexpectedly due to trauma, decay, or failed treatments. Whether it’s a missing molar or a front incisor, replacing a tooth that’s been lost for many years comes with its unique challenges. At Drs Demajo Dental Clinic, we specialise in restorative dentistry, helping patients regain their smiles through dental implants, which are the most permanent and natural-looking solution available today.
Why do teeth go missing for years?
Some patients lose teeth as children or teens due to:
- Road traffic accidents or sports trauma
- Failed root canal treatments
- Fractures or decay at a young age
This is particularly common with upper front teeth (central or lateral incisors) and first molars, where trauma or poor prognosis may result in early extraction.
What happens when a tooth is not replaced?
When a missing tooth is not replaced early on, the area undergoes gradual bone loss and gum shrinkage. Without the mechanical stimulus of chewing, the bone in the affected area starts to resorb, and the soft tissues lose volume, making future tooth replacement more difficult, both functionally and aesthetically.
This is why it’s crucial to consult an experienced implant dentist in Malta even if the tooth has been missing for several years.
Why dental implants are the gold standard
Traditionally, missing teeth were replaced with bridges or removable dentures. While these can offer a temporary solution, they often require support from surrounding teeth or are uncomfortable and prone to movement.
Dental implants, on the other hand, offer several long-term advantages:
- Independent structure – no need to affect neighbouring healthy teeth
- Bone preservation – stimulates bone to prevent further resorption
- Better hygiene – easier to clean than bridges or dentures
- Natural appearance – especially important for front teeth
- Permanent solution – with proper care, implants can last decades
Case Study: From Bridge to Beautiful Smile
A woman in her late 30s came to us with a long-standing missing upper central incisor, lost during her teenage years. She had worn a three-unit fixed bridge ever since. Over the years, her gum line receded, revealing a visible defect, made worse by her high smile line.
While a new bridge could improve aesthetics, she chose a dental implant for a more permanent and natural-looking solution.
Here’s how we restored her smile:
- We harvested Bone from the lower wisdom tooth area and grafted into the implant site to rebuild volume.
- After four months, the site was ready for implant placement, with minor additional bone grafting as needed.
- Once fully healed, we placed three individual all-ceramic crowns, one on the implant, and new crowns on the two adjacent teeth, restoring function and aesthetics.
Considering Dental Implants in Malta?
If you’ve been living with a missing tooth for years, or you’re unhappy with your bridge or denture, a dental implant may be your best option. At Drs Demajo Dental Clinic, we combine years of experience with the latest in dental technology to deliver safe, effective, and aesthetic implant solutions, even in complex cases involving bone or tissue loss.
Contact us today to book a consultation and discover how we can restore your smile with confidence.
