Single Tooth Implants
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent solution is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This restoration both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
In most cases implants are placed and restored “immediately,” on the same day that the damaged tooth is removed. This not only reduces treatment time but also minimizes discomfort and pain. Immediate placement allows the patient to leave the office with a highly aesthetic and functional “new tooth.”
Benefits of single tooth implants
- Immediately functional teeth
- Excellent aesthetic result
- Permanent, stable solution
Treatment:
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available.
- Before the procedure: Dr. Sirakian conducts a thorough evaluation and outlines a treatment plan to review with you.
- Installing the implant: First, the implant is installed. This is normally done in a single session. At this time, a temporary tooth is placed, enabling you to eat and function like normal while the implant is given several months to heal and osseointegrate into the jawbone.
- Attaching the new crown: The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth. The new tooth should remain in place for life. No additional treatment is needed.
- End result: You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. No special care is required, just the standard dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean and healthy.
Alternative treatment options for replacing single missing teeth:
- Tooth-supported fixed bridge
A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the restoration. It is a stable solution with good aesthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this approach has two main disadvantages: continuous bone reabsorption in the edentulous (toothless) area, and the need to sacrifice healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge. - Removable partial denture
Dentures are notorious for their instability, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic, a material that doesn’t offer the same aesthetics as a ceramic crown. Although there are several disadvantages to this approach, a removable partial denture can be installed easily and quickly and will not affect adjacent teeth. - Resin-bonded bridge
This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, has excellent aesthetics. Moreover, healthy natural teeth aren’t affected. Unfortunately, the big drawback is that this restoration is not permanent. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off, probably after just a couple of years, and will then have to be reinstalled.
