Is a single missing tooth affecting your confidence and taking away from the beauty of your smile? A single tooth dental implant is an ideal solution for you, and we at Lanier Valley Dentistry can give you one!
What is a Single Tooth Implant?
In a single tooth implant, you replace not only the lost tooth but also the tooth root. In it, you integrate the new tooth with the jawbone, which preserves the structural integrity of the jaw and the adjacent teeth. It can replace your missing tooth permanently, making it ideal for those looking for a long-term solution.
The implant consists of multiple parts.
| • | The implant – it is a screw-shaped structure that is mostly either made of titanium or zirconia. It is what secures the jaw to the other structures that make up the artificial tooth. |
| • | Abutment – the abutment connects the implant to the crown. It can be made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, titanium, and even gold. |
| • | The crown – the crown is the visible part of the implant. It serves as a cap and mimics the natural look and shape of the tooth. Unless you choose a material like gold, no one can even tell that you have an implant because popular choices like zirconia and porcelain look like natural teeth. |
Single Tooth Implant Process
The process of getting a single tooth implant can be very long, but the results are permanent, so it is worth it.
| • | Bone Examination – First, your dentist will determine whether your bone is sturdy enough for an implant or not. If not, then you will have to undergo bone grafting to improve its structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
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| • | Placing the Implant – The implant placement process requires oral surgery. You will be put under local anesthesia, and the dentist will place the implant in your jaw. It will take around 3 to 6 months for the implant to fuse firmly with your jaw bone. |
| • | Placing the Abutment - once the dentist is sure that the gum tissue has healed completely, they will screw on the Abutment and place a temporary crown to allow the gums to heal and adjust to the additional structure. The dentist will allow the Abutment to heal for a minimum of two weeks before they call you in for a follow-up and eventually for the last step.
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| • | Placing the Crown – The last step is installing the crown. Depending on the material you’ve chosen, the dentist will either screw it on or cement it to secure it in place. The crown will mimic the look, function and feel of a real tooth and you can even treat it as such. |
A single tooth implant is ideal for all those who want to replace their missing teeth. It not only boosts your confidence but also restores the full functionality of the mouth. Though the process is long, it is a permanent solution that makes the effort worthwhile.
Visit Lanier Valley Dentistry for dental implants, multiple teeth implants, all on 4, dental crown and bridge placements, and many more professional dental services.
