Single Tooth Implants
Every tooth has an important job to do. Whether you are missing a molar or front tooth, your oral health is threatened by the absence of any tooth and its root system. Getting a single tooth implant is the strongest, longest-lasting method for replacing a missing tooth above and below the gumline. At Implant and Facial Surgery, our oral surgeons specialize in replacing missing teeth, so your smile is complete and functions properly.
About UsProblems Caused by One Missing Tooth
One missing tooth is a cosmetic issue. No one wants a hole in their smile. However, the biggest complication is that the absence of a tooth impacts the strength, performance, and health of your entire mouth. The most likely problems to develop over time when you have a missing tooth include:
- Unstimulated jawbone
- Teeth shifting to fill in space
- Altered alignment
- Jaw pain and weakness
- Gum irritation
- Worn teeth
- Deteriorating teeth
It may seem like the rest of your teeth couldn’t be affected by one missing tooth, but the reality is that the absence of any part of your smile is enough to throw your entire oral health out of whack. Eventually, a missing tooth is likely to impact the shape of your face and lead to the loss of more teeth.
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The Single Tooth Implant Procedure
A single tooth dental implant is a complete restoration that replaces both the missing tooth and its root. The surgical procedure is routine and still customized to each patient’s oral health needs. Here is how the process typically moves forward:
- Consult. Your oral surgeons will take x-rays and digital images as well as examine your teeth and gums to determine if you are a good candidate for single tooth implants. It is essential that your gums are healthy and jaw is strong to accept and hold the implant in place.
- Surgery. A single tooth implant is placed in an outpatient oral surgery where the dental implant is positioned in the jawbone under the gumline and an abutment is attached, slightly protruding from the gum. A temporary crown is placed on the abutment and the permanent restoration is added once the surgical site has healed.
- Healing. It usually takes several months for the dental implant surgical area to fully heal. Enough time is needed for the implant to fuse with the jawbone and be firmly in place. This stage requires patience and visits to your oral surgeon for progress checkups.
- Completion. The final step in the single tooth implant process is to place the permanent dental crown. The size, color, shape, and translucency are matched to the rest of your teeth, so the crown looks natural. Your smile is now fully restored.
Benefits of Choosing a Single Tooth Dental Implant
Replacing a missing tooth is a big cosmetic improvement and dental implants are designed to look natural, but a complete smile is a massive confidence booster in more than just appearance.
- Fully functional. Eating will be easy once again with a single tooth implant. You can bite and chew without discomfort and without worrying about a gap in your smile. Speech will be uninterrupted too.
- Complete restoration. It’s easy to overlook the hidden benefits of replacing a missing tooth with a single tooth implant, but they are there. A dental implant stimulates the jaw, fills a hole so neighboring teeth are not impacted, and eliminates the chances of misalignment or tissue damage.
- Comfortable smile. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, which makes them a seamless addition to your smile. Soon enough, most patients forget that they even have a restoration in their mouth.
Get Single Tooth Implants from Implant & Facial Surgery
Fort Lauderdale is home to Implant & Facial Surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) Dr. Matouk and Dr. Guevara. Schedule a consultation to discuss restorations for missing teeth.
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