Single Tooth Implant Mesa AZLosing teeth is not something anyone wants to experience. We only have a single set of permanent teeth and when they are lost, we can only replace them with artificial ones. Also, managing with lost teeth comes with many challenges. You risk losing the remaining teeth and your jawbone may resorb, bringing further complications. Single tooth implants can be considered when you lose one tooth or a few teeth that are not adjacent to each other. At Timothy H. Kindt, DDS, we help our patients reestablish their smile, bite function, and oral health by replacing lost teeth. Our dentist can replace your tooth using a single dental implant. What Is a Single Tooth Implant?Single tooth implants are a permanent dental solution aimed at replacing one missing tooth and its root. A dentist inserts the replacement tooth in the jawbone to enhance its stability. The implant consists of an implant post and a connector piece known as an abutment. There is also a crown that is mounted on top of the implant post. What Are the Advantages of a Single Tooth Implant?Receiving a single tooth implant offers you many benefits. First, it is long-lasting, meaning that it will serve you for many years, and can last a lifetime if you properly maintain it. Further, a single tooth implant is self-supporting. A dentist does not have to shave down adjacent teeth to make room for attaching the crown. Instead, an implant post goes straight into the jawbone through the gums, providing the support needed for the replacement tooth. As such, the surrounding natural teeth are left intact. Other benefits include: Natural Look and FeelSingle tooth implants are aesthetically pleasing. They feature an artificial root and a crown, and resemble a natural tooth. They look just like your real teeth and are easy to maintain. You are able to floss and brush your teeth the same way you do with your natural teeth. Maintaining Jawbone HealthThe mounting of a titanium or zirconia post in the jawbone helps prevent the gradual loss of bone. Oftentimes, when people don't replace their lost or missing teeth, they suffer from bone resorption. The underlying bone lacks the stimulation from chewing or biting and stops growing and eventually, it recedes. What Happens During a Single Tooth Implant Procedure?First, the dental implant specialist will place the implant post into the jaw. The dentist will sedate you so that you are comfortable during the surgery. Once the implant post has been surgically inserted into the jaw, you will go through a period of healing. Over the next three to six months, your implant and the bone will be bonding and fusing together. Once they bond, they form the anchor for the artificial tooth. At this time, you may need a provisional tooth that is mounted over the implant site. You will come back in for another appointment where the dentist uncovers the implant and attaches an extension. It is a temporary healing cap that helps complete the foundation for your new tooth. The dentist will then allow the gums to heal for a few weeks after this procedure. Lastly, the dentist creates the crown for the tooth. This crown will be attached to a connector piece known as an abutment, which connects to the implant post. At this point, you will now have completed your single tooth implant placement procedure. You will now have restored confidence as well as the ability to speak and chew normally once again. You now have a natural-looking tooth that you can be proud of. Candidacy for Single Tooth ImplantWhile most people who can undergo dental procedures like a tooth extraction, not everyone may qualify as a candidate for a single tooth implant. There are several things that a dentist will have to check to ensure successful implant placement. Evaluating Dental HealthIn order to qualify for a single tooth implant, it is important that your jawbone is checked to ensure it is strong enough to hold and support the implant. The dentist will also check the surrounding tissues as well as the nearby teeth to see that they are in good health. If gum disease or decay is found, then it is first taken care of before the implant procedure begins. Assessing Bone Density and StructureThe dentist will check the bone density as well as the jawbone structure. In case you lack sufficient bone to hold the implant, the dentist may suggest that you receive additional bone. A procedure referred to as bone grafting may be recommended to help rebuild your bone to provide the required bone mass and volume for a stable implant. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)If you are scheduled for a single tooth implant procedure, you will likely have questions you need answered. The dentist performing the procedure is happy to provide answers to your questions and explain the expectations from the procedure. Some of the questions we commonly receive include: Is the Single Tooth Implant Procedure Painful?Receiving a tooth implant isn't painful because the dentist utilizes local anesthesia and sedation before the treatment. After the surgery, you may encounter some mild discomfort or pain. However, it is easy to manage the pain with OTC pain medications and cold compresses. How Long Does the Entire Process Take?Essentially, the whole process of receiving a single tooth implant can take anywhere from six to 12 months from the start to the end. Much of the time is needed to allow the jawbone to heal. Where additional procedures like bone grafting and tooth extractions are required, the process takes longer than when you don't have to get these treatments. What Is the Success Rate of Single Tooth Implants?The American Academy of Implant Dentistry notes that tooth implants have a success rate of more than 95 percent and the results are very predictable. However, some factors tend to influence the successful placement and survival of these implants. For instance, your ability to maintain proper oral hygiene and the health of the supporting bone and gums. Others include infection, smoking, and diabetes, all of which have an impact on the healing process. Dental Implants
Get a Single Tooth Implant With Your Dentist in Mesa, AZTo discover more about single tooth implants and how they work, visit Timothy H. Kindt, DDS today. Call (480) 939-5818 to set up your appointment with our dental implants specialist. |
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1244 N Greenfield Rd, Suite 105 Mesa, AZ85205-4078 Call (480) 939-5818 |