Single Tooth Implant

Single tooth implants are the most technologically advanced way to restore missing teeth. They look and feel much like a natural tooth, and they can provide a lifetime of benefits, such as improved oral health, increased self-confidence, and enhanced quality of life. Single tooth implants can also help to prevent the shifting of teeth and the loss of bone mass. If you are considering a single implant, visit our implant dentists in Bergen County, Essex County, Morris County, and Middlesex County to learn more about your options.

    Single Tooth Implant With Dr. Perrino of Riverside Oral Surgery

    What is a Single Tooth Implant?

    Single Tooth Implant

    A single tooth implant is a dental implant post supporting an abutment. The abutment protrudes above the gum and holds a dental implant crown. A single implant can restore a missing tooth anywhere in the mouth. The implant tooth will emerge from the surrounding gum tissue, just like a real tooth. It provides excellent functionality and restores appearance seamlessly.

    Single tooth implants offer a number of advantages over other tooth replacement options, such as bridges and dentures. They are more durable, comfortable, and natural-looking. They also help to preserve jawbone health and prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth.

    If you have lost small teeth, such as front teeth or lower incisors, or have inadequate bone density for a single tooth implant, a dental mini implant is a good option. Mini dental implants are a smaller, less invasive alternative to traditional dental implants.

    If you are considering a single tooth implant, be sure to consult with a Riverside Oral Surgery qualified dentist or oral surgeon. If you are missing a tooth, a single-tooth implant may be the right solution. Contact your dentist or oral surgeon today to learn more.

    Read more: Top 10 Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

    Applications for the Single Dental Implant

    Single tooth implants are a versatile tooth replacement option that can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

    • Missing teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma
    • Gaps between teeth: Single tooth implants can be used to close gaps between teeth, which can improve the appearance of the smile and make it easier to speak and eat.
    • Supporting fixed bridges or dentures: Single tooth implants can be used to support fixed bridges or dentures to improve the stability and function of the prostheses. Implant-supported dentures are one affordable treatment option, combining the benefits of dental implants with the affordability of a traditional denture.
    • Preserving jawbone health: Single tooth implants can help to preserve jawbone health by preventing bone resorption.
    • Improving the appearance of the smile: Single tooth implants can be used to improve the appearance of the smile by replacing missing teeth with natural-looking ceramic crowns.

    What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing a Single Tooth Implant?

    Advantages of Single Tooth Implants

    • Minimally Invasive Surgery. Surgery is minimally invasive and fast. Fitting a single dental implant can take as little as half an hour to an hour.
    • Protecting Your Jawbone. The implant will help preserve your jawbone, preventing bone resorption after tooth loss.
    • Protecting Your Natural Teeth. It protects natural teeth, ensuring they cannot shift out of place, and shares the stress and strain of biting and chewing food.
    • No Need to Grind Down Adjacent Teeth. Teeth adjacent to the gap are preserved as there is no need to reshape them in preparation for dental crowns to support a bridge.
    • Long-Lasting. Dental implants are long-lasting, so that they can be more cost-effective in the long term than a dental bridge.
    • Excellent Success Rates. Treatment has a high success rate and provides predictable results.
    • Easy After-care. Single dental implants are easy to look after as you can simply brush and floss them normally.
    • Good Biting and Chewing Strength. The biting strength of a single dental implant is similar to a real tooth, so you can eat almost anything you wish.
    • Natural-Looking Results. Single dental implant crowns look and feel natural, so no one can tell you lost a tooth.

    Disadvantages of Single Tooth Implants

    The only major disadvantage of single tooth implants is the initial cost of treatment. Implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options, such as bridges and dentures. However, the long-term cost of implants may be lower, as they do not need to be replaced as often as other options. Additionally, single tooth implants require surgery. Some people may be hesitant to choose implants because of this, but it is important to note that the surgery is relatively minor and most people recover quickly.

    Overall, single tooth implants are a great option for people who are looking for a durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking tooth replacement solution.

    What Are the Alternatives to a Single Tooth Implant?

    There are three alternatives: to have a one-tooth denture (flipper), a tooth-supported bridge, or to do nothing and leave a gap.

    Flipper

    A flipper is a basic denture consisting of an acrylic base plate supporting a replacement false tooth made from acrylic. This cheap, quick, and painless treatment requires no surgical procedure or modifications to other teeth, but it is far from ideal. A dental flipper is not very stable, can be uncomfortable to wear, and has minimal biting and chewing strength. Usually, dental flippers are only recommended for temporary use while deciding on a more permanent form of tooth replacement or waiting for a dental implant to heal.

    Tooth Supported Bridge

    Tooth Supported Bridge

    A traditional dental bridge has crowns that fit over each tooth adjacent to the gap, so one on each side. The crowns are attached to a pontic, shaped to resemble the replacement tooth, which rests on the gums. The bridge is cemented in place and is reasonably strong and durable. Traditional bridges are frequently used to replace missing teeth.

    However, the adjacent or abutment teeth must be substantially ground down and reshaped to create enough room for the crowns to fit comfortably without looking and feeling too big and bulky. Removing healthy structure from a tooth is never ideal, as these teeth will always require crowns afterward, even if you subsequently decide to go for a dental implant. Even so, treatment is effective and can normally be completed within a few weeks. Modern dental bridges can look natural and feel comfortable, providing good biting strength.

    Leaving a Gap

    You might be tempted to leave the gap if you lose a tooth at the back of the mouth that cannot be seen. However, this is not a good idea because the adjacent teeth will drift towards the space, changing your bite and destabilizing these teeth. The teeth opposing the gap can also drift out of place, negatively affecting your bite. These types of bite problems can be difficult to correct later. Also, you need a full complement of teeth to help spread the load created when you bite and chew food. Without a complete set, your remaining teeth are more likely to wear down faster.

    What is the Process for a Single Tooth Implant?

    Planning and placing a single-tooth implant is straightforward.

    • Planning. Before treatment, you will need a full consultation at Riverside Oral Surgery. We will also take dental x-rays and a cone beam CT scan to assess your jawbone more fully and determine the best placement for the dental implant, avoiding nerves and blood vessels. If you intend to have several dental implants side-by-side, a cone beam CT scan is especially important, as there must be adequate room between the implant posts to restore them correctly.
    • Surgery. Once your treatment plan is complete, the implant can be inserted into the jawbone. When only a single implant is required, you may feel comfortable enough with just a local anesthetic. A small incision is made into your gum to expose the bone underneath so the implant can be inserted into a small hole in the jawbone and tightened into place. A healing cap can be fitted onto the dental implant, which helps protect the implant while shaping the gum tissue so that once the implant crown is placed, it is surrounded by a nicely shaped gum and is easier to keep clean.
    • Restoration. If the missing tooth is visible, a temporary restoration can be fitted to wear while the implant heals and soon after surgery. A permanent restoration is fabricated and fitted after healing is finished, completing this treatment.

    Conclusion: A long Term Solution for Tooth Loss

    A single dental implant can be an excellent solution for tooth loss, providing a strong, stable replacement tooth that can last for years or potentially for life. There are very few risks to this treatment. The implant is easy to care for, but you must commit to a good daily oral care routine and regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments.

    Are you ready to book your Single Tooth Implant appointment?

    Request an appointment online or call an office near you! Our friendly and caring staff can assist you with any questions.

    If you have questions about single dental implant process, to learn more, or to schedule a consultation with the implant specialist at Riverside Oral Surgery, call our center at (551) 287-2322 or visit any of our New Jersey locations.

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