Laughter is infectious. So is a smile. Not only are smiling and laughter responsible for releasing endorphins in your system, but they also provide numerous benefits to improve lifespan and overall health. It is a given fact that you will smile more openly and confidently when you have brilliant, white teeth. Imagine seeing a smile where there is a gaping hole. It would be disconcerting, to say the least. Your smile is your most important asset; a missing tooth can mar your ability to express yourself and feel happy openly. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, people now have a cornucopia of teeth replacement options available at their disposal. A single tooth implant is one option and is considered the best alternative for a missing tooth.
RiverRock Dental in Downtown Shakopee offers you specialized services for dental implants and is here to tell you everything about single tooth dental implants. Let’s get started!
What is a Single Tooth Implant?
Single tooth implants are permanent tooth replacements fixed into your jawbone using titanium posts. They become permanent fixtures in your jaw and look and behave just like your natural teeth.
The titanium post is drilled into the space your missing tooth has left behind. A crown is subsequently attached to the top of this post. This crown will look exactly like your natural teeth. A dentist will spend ample time with you before the procedure to ensure that the crown resembles your natural teeth in shape, contour, and color.
Single tooth implants are most suitable for people who are missing a single tooth and are looking for a permanent solution to the problem.
Are You Eligible for a Single Tooth Implant?
While single tooth implants are an excellent replacement for your missing teeth, it is important to determine whether you are eligible to receive their surgery. You can go through certain criteria to determine whether this dental implant is the right solution for you.
- It would be best if you had sufficient jawbone density. This is crucial as the post, which acts as an anchor for the artificial tooth, will fuse to your jawbone and need proper support.
- Healthy gums and oral tissues are also essential as they help form a more substantial base to support the abutment that will hold the crown.
- A single-tooth dental implant surgery could be ideal if you do not suffer from oral diseases like periodontal diseases, bruxism, etc.
- This dental implant can be a great solution to replace missing teeth if you avoid unhealthy habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol.
- Dentists discourage dental implant procedures for people suffering from immune deficiencies, severe diabetes, hemophilia, or cancer.
What to Expect in a Single Tooth Implant Surgery
A single-tooth implant surgery can sound intimidating, but it does not have to be as terrifying as it sounds.
Worry not; we will give you an informative heads-up about what to expect pre-surgery, during, and post-surgery.
What to Expect Pre-Surgery
First and foremost, your dentist will examine your oral cavity to confirm whether you are eligible for a single-tooth implant. Depending on your examination result, your dentist will give you a comprehensive treatment plan customized to suit your needs and applicable to your case.
Your dentist will perform X-rays and review your previous medical records to assemble a treatment plan for your surgery.
The dentist will then take the patient through the treatment plan and inform them of the measures they need to take before the surgery, such as taking antibiotics, using anti-bacterial mouthwash, and advising them to take a day off for surgery.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
You will be administered local or general anesthesia, depending on your treatment plan. The surgeon then makes an incision in your gum tissue, exposing the bone underneath. Using a drill, a titanium post will be inserted into your jawbone. The dentist will cover his anchor with protection and sew up the wound.
After this, there is a wait of several months while the anchor fuses properly to the jawbone, which can take about three to six months. After this phase, the dentist will begin designing your crown by studying your teeth to ensure that the crown is of the right size, shape, and color. They will also take impressions of your natural teeth to guarantee that the crown looks and feels like yours.
What to Expect Post-Surgery
It is vital to follow all the post-surgery instructions provided by your dentist. This will help in the speedy recovery and prevent the chance of infection and implant failure. Dentists generally prescribe over-the-counter painkillers unless your surgery is more intensive than usual. Make sure to follow your regular oral hygiene routine and routine schedule checkups with the dentist.
How Long Do Single Tooth Implants Last?
If proper care is taken and good oral hygiene is followed, single-tooth implants can last for years. Dental implants are designed to last, which is why they are one of the most sought-after and popular procedures people opt for to replace missing teeth.
Make sure to clean your teeth and floss them at least twice daily. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal. Pay special attention to the implant site and avoid hard or sticky foods that can cause damage to the implant.
Why Single Tooth Implants are the Right Choice For You
You can avail lots of advantages from a successful dental implant procedure.
- Your single tooth implant will behave and look like your natural teeth. This means complete restoration of your tooth function and chewing power. When you get a dental implant from an expert, it will be impossible to tell the difference between your natural teeth and your single tooth implant.
- These dental implants are long-lasting, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. You have to follow all the post-surgery instructions prescribed by your doctor.
- Single tooth implants help in preserving bone density. The space from a missing tooth lacks exercise and can lose bone mass. Implants help avoid the same by acting as a replacement for the root of the tooth.
- Overcrowding of teeth due to shifting and moving is a common problem people face after losing a tooth. Dental implants that replace a single tooth help keep the surrounding teeth stable and prevent them from shifting around to fill the missing gap.
Get Your Single-Tooth Implant RiverRock Dental
RiverRock Dental is proficient in providing quality care for your entire family and focuses on keeping your teeth healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
Our highly trained team of dentists and specialized dental staff believe in going through all the ABCs of each procedure. With customized treatment plans, RiverRock Dental instills confidence in patients that they are in the best hands.
Our working hours are from Monday to Thursday between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm, while on Friday, we are at your service between 8.00 am and 3.30 pm. You can book an appointment by filling out our contact form, calling (952) 445-5556, or emailing us at riverrockdds@gmail.com. Our office is located at 403 1st Ave East Shakopee, MN 55379. We are here to satisfy all your dental implant needs.
