 |
Single Tooth Replacement in Jacksonville, FL If you happen to be missing a tooth, you might be wondering about what sort of procedures are available to you and what they might be like. One common method of treating patients that are missing a single tooth is the single tooth implant. This sort of procedure replaces both the actual tooth that was lost, as well as its associated root. During your consultation with our dentists at Atlantic Dentistry, we will be able to help determine if this is the right procedure for you. We will also be able to provide you with specially tailored information just for you, giving you more comprehensive information about whether single tooth implants are ideal for you and if they can give you back your healthy, happy smile.What is a Single Tooth Dental Implant?A single dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in your jawbone, to help serve as a root of a missing tooth. A crown is then placed on that implant, allowing it to closely resemble your own natural tooth. For many of our patients, a dental implant is recommended by our team as the best option for the replacement of a missing tooth, as it is a permanent type of restoration. How We Place a Single Tooth ImplantBefore we begin, we will first check the implant site to verify that there is enough bone mass to support the implant itself. Next, we will place an incision in the gumline, then surgically place the dental implant into the jawbone. While the tooth heals, the implant will fuse with the natural bone, giving both of them time to grow together, through a process called osseointegration. This will help form a good foundation for tooth replacement. This process may take several months to completely heal. However, during this time, a temporary tooth can be placed over the site. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, the crown (the restoration) is placed on top of the abutment. Small posts, which look like screws, are used to attach the crown to the titanium implant. These crowns replace the missing or damaged teeth with the artificial one, which closely resembles your real tooth. What Are the Advantages of a Single Tooth Replacement Implant?The main benefit of dental implants is they provide strong support for your new teeth. This process might take longer than dentures or bridges, as it requires the bone to heal while attached to the implant. Furthermore, dental implants are made of a material that resists damage and tooth decay, providing you with a restoration that can last you up to the rest of your life. Since the titanium in the implants integrates with your jawbone, this helps prevent bone loss at the site. It also looks and feels more natural than a denture or bridge. Dental implants also improve your general oral health, speech, and self-esteem. Also, single tooth implants boast a variety of advantages over other common dental procedures used to remedy a single tooth loss. Single tooth implants are very realistic, mimicking natural teeth perfectly, leaving no one the wiser that anything was missing in the first place. This sort of dental implant also has no impact on the neighboring teeth, which can sometimes be a problem with other dental procedures. A common alternative to a single tooth implant is the tooth-supported fixed bridge, which is notably different from the single tooth implant in that neighboring teeth must be ground down to an extent to support the bridge. Single tooth implants have other advantages over their commonly selected alternative dental procedures. Single tooth implants replace not only the tooth that was lost, but the root that used to support it, which has the effect of preserving the bone foundation. This is considerably different from the alternate procedure of the tooth-supported fixed bridge, in which some of the bone that once supported the missing tooth deteriorates over time. Single-tooth implants, by avoiding this deterioration, keep your jawbone healthy. Additionally, but no less important, is the aesthetic benefits that are afforded by a single tooth implant. Since single tooth implants are meant to stand in for the tooth that was lost, they look and feel just like any other tooth that you have. Common alternative procedures, such as the tooth-supported bridge, tend to suffer from a few ailments in the initial placement stages, such as gum recession, which can expose the metal base of the bridge. It is of course very stressful to have an imperfection in one’s smile for any amount of time, which is one reason why the single tooth implant is so attractive. Who is a Candidate for a Single Dental Implant?You may be a candidate for a single dental implant if you are missing one tooth and if you have good oral hygiene. Additionally, implants are ideal if you have a mature jawbone, you have enough jawbone (or can have a bone graft or ridge augmentation), and if you do not have any underlying condition that can affect your jawbone. When you come to our dental experts, they will assess your situation and ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. It is important that we advise patients who use tobacco products to cease use of them before they get a dental implant. Using tobacco products while receiving a dental procedure can delay the healing time for a patient. Also, using these products could cause infection at the site during the healing process. It is advised that you disclose if you use tobacco products to our dentist before you undergo the procedure. A single tooth replacement implant can be a fantastic option for many patients. We would be happy to help you learn more about whether you would be a candidate for them. You can reach out to our dental experts at Atlantic Dentistry by phone at 904 717-0335. You are also welcomed to stop in to schedule your next appointment at our location. We look forward to getting your smile dazzling again! |
Office hoursMon & Wed 8:30AM - 6PM Tues & Thurs 8:30AM - 7PM Fri 8:30AM - 5PM Sat: By Appointment |
