Dental implants can take the place of a single tooth, several teeth, or even all of a person’s teeth. The goal of replacing teeth in dentistry is to return function and esthetics. When you need a tooth replacement, there are several ways to go about it. The first is a dental device that you can remove. This is commonly known as complete or partial dentures. The second option is a fixed dental bridge. This is a device that the dentist cements into place. The third option is a dental implant. Once in place, single tooth dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Get yours today at Lovett Dental Vintage Park.
Single Tooth Dental Implants
When a dentist replaces your lost teeth, dentures are the most affordable option. However, they are the least desirable option because of how inconvenient they are. Dentures can affect how you experience and taste the food. For years, bridgework was a common way to restore lost or excessively damaged teeth. The main issue with getting a bridge is that they need support from your surrounding teeth. This is something that dental implants don’t require. Implants only need the support of bone.
Do You Need a Single Tooth Dental Implant?
A major advantage of selecting a dental implant to replace a tooth is that implants are a more conservative option. Your dentist can replace one tooth without affecting or changing any surrounding teeth. Also, dental implants integrate into your body’s bone structure. Along with giving you the look and feel of natural teeth, they feel stable inside your mouth.
Of the three options, dental implants are typically more costly, but they offer a number of benefits over the other choices. Before opting for a dental implant, there are several factors to consider. These include:
- The location of the tooth that you’re missing
- The health of your jawbone where the dentist will place the implant
- Your overall health
- Your tooth replacement preferences
- The cost
Before you get a dental implant, your dental surgeon will examine your mouth and the area where he/she can place the implant. Your dentist will then need to make a clinical assessment as to whether you are a good implant candidate.
The Placement Process for Single Tooth Dental Implants
The first phase of a dental implant placement usually involves tooth extraction. In many cases, the dental implant site still holds the tooth that the dentist will replace. Generally, your dentist will place a cadaver or synthetic bone graft to create a solid bone base for your implant. Once the dentist does this, you’ll need to give the site time to heal. This can take anywhere from two to six months. If the area doesn’t have a tooth and bone loss has occurred, then you’ll need a different bone graft procedure. This procedure involves placing it over your existing jawbone. This procedure is more complex, and it may require six months or more to heal. If enough bone is there, then your dentist may be able to extract the tooth and implant the graft during the same appointment.
During your implant placement appointment, your dentist will use a special drill and tools to place the dental implant into the bone. Your dentist will then place a healing cap over the implant, and they will stitch up your gum. While your mouth is healing, your dentist may make you a temporary denture for aesthetic purposes. To aid the healing process, avoid placing any stress or force on the implant. Your dentist will likely schedule follow-up appointments to make sure that the surgical site is healing well and that there is no infection.
Once the healing period has ended, your dentist will test the implant to make sure that the surrounding bone accepted it. After confirming this, your dentist will attach a prosthetic component to the dental implant using a screw.
Contact Lovett Dental Vintage Park Today
When you need complex dental work like single tooth dental implants, you’re sure to feel more comfortable turning to an experienced dental office like ours at Lovett Dental. Along with implants, we also provide:
For more information on getting single tooth dental implants, or to make an appointment, contact Lovett Kohrville at 832-843-6776, or contact us online.
