Do you have one missing tooth? Are you looking for a tooth replacement option that restores natural bite function?

Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” for tooth replacement. A dental implant replaces the visible crown of the lost tooth and the tooth root under the gums. This unique feature can offer key benefits for your oral health, your bite, and the long-term appearance of your jaw. A dental implant is often the best solution for a single missing tooth, giving you back the stability of a natural tooth.

Single Tooth Implant: How does it work?

When a single tooth is lost or removed, it can lead to changes in the fit and comfort of the bite. Depending on where the tooth is located, you may also have more difficulty chewing and speaking. It is important to seek a tooth replacement option as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more your oral health can shift and change, ultimately affecting your treatment needs and options. Over time, bone tissue where the tooth root is lost will begin to recede. The gums also begin to adapt to the missing tooth, but not always in a beneficial manner!

A single-tooth dental implant comprises three major components: the implant, the abutment, and the restoration. A key element of the implant and the long-term outcome is placing a tiny titanium post into the jaw. Placed into jaw bone deemed healthy and stable, the implant acts like a prosthetic tooth root. The abutment and restoration are secured on top of the implant once the tissues have healed, resulting in a prosthetic tooth that replaces what was lost in full.

Traditional tooth replacement options such as a dental bridge do not replace the lost tooth root, which can lead to changes in your oral health down the road. Without a tooth root in place, the bone tissue in the area will diminish, and it can impact how your existing natural teeth are positioned over time. Many patients with a traditional dental bridge find that it does not fit securely after several years. A loose dental appliance is often uncomfortable and can irritate the gums.

Once in place, a dental implant feels, functions, and looks like a natural tooth. The crown placed on top will be customized to your smile for a seamless result. You can chew and speak with confidence with a dental implant, and it will support long-term dental health.