Dental Implants: Single Tooth Implants

Single tooth implants are a type of dental implant that is used to replace a single missing tooth, rather than an entire arch of teeth. There are many advantages to implants over other tooth restorations. Read this blog from The Art of Dentistry to find out what sets implants apart from bridges and dentures. 

What Are Single Tooth Implants?

A single tooth implant is a type of dental implant that is used to replace one missing tooth in the mouth, whether it’s been lost from dental trauma or tooth decay. It’s composed of three parts - the titanium post, the abutment, and the dental crown. 

The titanium post is implanted during oral surgery and you will require 3 to 6 months of osseointegration before we can attach the abutment. During this process, the implant fuses with the jawbone, forming an artificial tooth root.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants prevent bone loss, are low maintenance, and can last a lifetime. They also firmly hold the tooth restoration in place by providing a stable base that is implanted into the jawbone to prevent any moving of the tooth when you speak or eat. 

This sets dental implants apart from other restorations which are prone to moving, are high maintenance, need to be replaced much sooner, and don’t prevent bone loss. Implants restore the functionality of your tooth so you can eat and speak clearly. Not only that, but they look incredibly natural so you can feel confident in your smile again.

The Implant Procedure

We will first have you come in for a consultation with Dr. Kory Kirkegaard so we can determine if you are a good candidate for implants. If you don’t have sufficient bone support, you may need a bone grafting procedure. This takes about 3 to 4 months to heal before we can place the  implant.

The first step in the dental implant process is to make an incision into the gums so we can implant the titanium post into the jawbone. Once this is done, you will need to wait about 3 to 6 months before the next oral surgery. 

The success of the implant procedure is dependent on osseointegration taking place without any problems. This is when the jawbone grows around the implant, so they are fused. After osseointegration has taken place, we’ll reopen your gums to attach an abutment to your implant. This is the connection point that enables us to attach a dental crown. 

We’ll then use impressions of your teeth to fabricate a dental crown. It  will take a few weeks for you to heal from the second surgery and for the crown to be created. Then, the crown will be attached to the abutment.

Why You Should Choose Dental Implants

Though dental implants cost more than other tooth restorations, they’re well worth the investment. Dental implants are a superior method of tooth restoration because they preserve your jawbone to prevent changes to your face, bite, and premature sagging. They are also a permanent solution to achieve a natural looking smile. Contact us at The Art of Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kory Kirkegaard today.

Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum