Single Tooth Replacement

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

In our Denver dental implant office, a tooth implant can replace a single tooth

Benefits of an all-ceramic dental crown on a tooth implant:

When a single tooth is missing or both the root and the tooth are damaged, a tooth implant capped by a porcelain crown is the best permanent replacement available. Because of the strength of the dental implant and the beauty of the porcelain crown, this solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

In this case, a so-called one-piece dental implant is used. This means that all components are installed as a single unit, resulting in immediately full functioning teeth, shorter treatment time and minimized pain.

With a one-piece tooth implant, you receive

Immediately functioning teeth
An excellent esthetic result
A life long, stable solution

Treatment:

This dental implant procedure normally includes four visits to our office in Cherry Creek. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the dental implant installed.

COURSE OF TREATMENT FOR SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT

The Steps Of The Dental Implant Procedure

Of course, each patient is unique and will receive a course of treatment designed specifically for their situation. What we describe here is one of several options available and can be generally explained. Though an initial complementary consultation with a dental implant dentist in our Denver office, we can better determine and explain the dental implant procedure that is specific to you.

Dental implant procedure for a single tooth implant: Installing the tooth implant

2: Installing the tooth implant
The tooth implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you eat and function like normal almost immediately. Your new dental implant will need a few months to heal and integrate with the jawbone before the permanent porcelain crown can be attached.

Dental implant procedure for a single tooth implant: End Result

4: End result
Once your permanent crown is placed on the dental implant, you should expect the new tooth to fit, look and function just like a natural tooth. Your regular dental hygiene routine should be sufficient to keep the tooth and gum around it clean. You can expect to enjoy your new tooth for decades to come!

Dental implant procedure for a single tooth implant: Before the dental implant procedure

1: Before the dental implant procedure
One of our dental implant dentists in our Cherry Creek office will examine your mouth and will take one or more x-rays of the area. This will help him determine the optimal placement of the tooth implant and prepare for the dental implant procedure.

Dental implant procedure for a single tooth implant: Attaching the new crown

3: Attaching the new crown
The final step in the dental implant procedure is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth onto the tooth implant. The new tooth is installed for life. No additional treatment is needed.

ALTERNATIVES TO A DENTAL CROWN ON A TOOTH IMPLANT

Dental Bridge as an alternative to a dental implant

Tooth-supported fixed dental bridge

A traditional dental bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution that looks good, functions well, and is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: the jaw bone will continue to shrink in the area without the tooth and the two healthy teeth on either side of the dental bridge must be sacrificed to act as supports for the bridge. Using a tooth implant avoids these two disadvantages.

Removable partial denture

Having a removable partial denture is not a permanent alternative to a missing tooth. A removable partial denture is made of plastic - a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. The jaw bone will still recede where the tooth is missing as nothing is stimulating its growth. The only benefits to a partial denture are that the adjacent teeth aren't affected, it is easily and quickly installed and it is relatively cheap compared to a tooth implant.

Resin-bonded dental bridge
A resin-bonded dental bridge as an alternative to a tooth implant has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, it gives a high esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren't affected. But the downside is that it is not very permanent. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off - probably after just a couple of years - and will then have to be reinstalled.

If you live or work in the Denver and Boulder metro area and are missing a tooth, a tooth implant may be the solution for you. Contact New Image Dental Implant Center in Cherry Creek today by calling us at the number above or sending us a message using the form on the right of this page. We can help your smile feel and look wonderful again.

Click here for information on financing your dental implant procedure.