Tooth loss ranges from inconvenient and embarrassing to traumatic. The number of teeth lost and the location of lost teeth play a big role in just how much the loss affects a person’s life. The loss of one tooth, though it may not seem like a big deal to some, can cause physical and emotional discomfort if left unattended. Single tooth implants provide a lasting solution that does not damage the neighboring teeth.
What Are Single Tooth Implants?
A single tooth implant is a surrogate tooth which is installed directly into a person’s jawbone. These kinds of implants are made up of three parts: a dental crown is supported by a titanium post, and these two elements are connected by an abutment. The screw-like post is embedded in the jawbone, acting like a root, and provides support so the implant can act as a natural tooth.
The abutment, usually made from gold, titanium, or porcelain, attaches the post to the crown. The dental crown is shaped like a natural tooth and usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This cap to the implant is designed to look like a natural tooth and is custom-made to make the recipient’s smile seamless.
An Elegant Solution
The biggest draw of single tooth implants is how natural they appear. They both look and feel like real teeth, and they have the permanence that other solutions lack. This tooth-replacement method protects the surrounding teeth since they attach to the jawbone itself without resting on the rest of a person’s orthodontia. Because the “root” is made of titanium, these implants may outlast natural teeth!
In addition to being functional, dental implants are a wonderful way to improve peace of mind. The gap of even one tooth can feel glaring and injure a person’s confidence when speaking or eating. Single tooth implants restore that confidence and make both processes easier and more convenient.
How Does Installation Work? The Single Tooth Implant Process
Installation of single tooth implants is always tailored to the individual’s unique smile. The dentist gathers the information about exact size and shape and creates the implant to match perfectly. CT scans may also be taken to measure precise location. This is especially important if the mandibular nerve sits too closely to where the tooth needs to be replaced. The use of such scans makes surgical planning more effective and minimizes the risk of complications or failure.
The dentist will determine based on the extent of the tooth loss and the bone recession whether or not implants are an effective solution to an individual’s tooth loss. Occasionally a sinus lift bone graft can provide additional bone to make the process possible. With enough jaw bone available, an implant’s titanium post is drilled into the jaw after all signs of the natural tooth root have been removed.
The specifics of installation surgery are dependent on where in the mouth the implant is added. Most single tooth implants are installed to replace a single back tooth. Premolars and molars are very often the first kind of teeth to be lost for two reasons: they experience the most wear because of their essential role in eating, and they are most susceptible to the effects of gum disease and decay.
Molars usually require a “two-phase” treatment sequence because they have at least two roots. When molars are replaced, any roots are first removed and then the bone is grafted (filled). A recovery of up to 12 weeks is common before the implant can be installed. Front teeth can also be replaced with dental implants. Because of the role of canine and incisor teeth in tearing food, installing an implant of the maximum size is good practice.
What to Expect After Installation
The details of single tooth implant recovery are dependent on the location of the tooth being replaced. Typically recovery times for lower jaw implants are shorter than replacements on the upper jaw. The bone of the lower jaw is denser, making osseointegration (bone fusing) a faster process, often within 10 weeks. The less dense bone of the upper jaw doesn’t fuse as quickly, so patients having an upper tooth replaced can expect recovery times closer to 16 weeks. Life with a dental implant takes some getting used to, but people usually make the adjustment quickly. Single tooth implants are maintained with normal tooth maintenance. If you are looking for a permanent, elegant, and effective tooth replacement solution for a one-tooth gap, single tooth implants are a wonderful choice.