One Implant Supports 2 Lower Incisors

• K. F. Chow BDS., FDSRCS July 14th, 2010
  Yes. Definitely yes, because one 3.5mm diameter implant of length 12mm will have as much if not more surface area than the existing 2 periodontally involved incisors. And we all know that an ankylosed tooth/implant is much more difficult to remove than a periodontal ligamentalised tooth, area for area. Probably half the surface area will do.

  And it will prevent loss of the adjacent periodontally involved incisors provided they are root-planed at the same time. Even better if they are splinted to the implant.

  Two 1.8mm diameter minis will also suffice. A removable prosthesis is a no no because it will speed up the loss of the incisors, seeing that they are already periodontally compromised and probably mobile.

  Please…..no extractions as far as possible. You might as well do a conventional 4unit bridge on the 2 incisors…than to extract them.
• K. F. Chow BDS., FDSRCS July 14th, 2010
  We must not subcumb to the hubris of thinking that our dental implants are better than real living teeth with real living periodontal ligaments. They are a very good imitation…….only an imitation..though a damn good one.