There are basically two ways in which you can replace a single missing tooth:

A traditional fixed bridge is a prosthetic that relies on the remaining natural teeth for support. In most cases, a bridge consists of two crowns, which fit over the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the gap). An artificial tooth “bridges” the empty space. May individuals choose to receive a bridge from their general dentist because the treatment is relatively fast and affordable. A well-made bridge can be quite comfortable and offer a natural appearance.

A single tooth dental implant does not require support from the adjacent teeth. Rather, an implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of the lost teeth. After we place the implant within your jawbone, your body will initiate a process known as osseointegration, wherein it will bond with the implant. Osseointegration may take several months. During that period, you’ll have a temporary crown on top of the implant. After the bond between your bone and the implant is nice and strong, you’ll receive a permanent, custom-made crown to replace the temporary one.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Single Tooth Replacement

In the vast majority of cases, a single tooth implant is a better way to replace a lost tooth than a fixed bridge. That is because dental implants offer many advantages that regular dental bridges simply cannot provide:

• Placing a bridge requires that the abutment teeth be filed down to fit beneath their crowns. An implant is self-supporting, so it lets your remaining natural teeth remain intact.
• An implant stimulates the jawbone and prevents it from losing mass. A fixed bridge does not support bone health.
• A dental implant can last for decades, whereas a bridge may endure for just 10 years or so.
• A dental implant looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. You might even forget that it’s there!

Dental implants are a permanent solution for patients who are missing one or several teeth. They serve as anchors for single crowns, bridges or a complete set of teeth. One of the many reasons why implants are gaining popularity is due to their ability to create fixed restoration, as single or multiple teeth. After the implant is placed, a healing period of 3 to 4 months is necessary to allow the bone to grow. After placing the crown or bridge it will not need to be removed for teeth cleaning, meals, medical procedures or any other day to day activity.

Dental Implants For Missing Teeth

Dental implants are substitutes or replacements for tooth roots. A tooth consists of a crown and a root. A dental crown is that part of the tooth which is visible in the mouth and is supported by the root portion. The root is under the gum tissue, surrounded by the bone. Implants are placed into the bone so that a prosthetic crown (the visible part of your tooth) can be firmly attached. State-of-the-art technology in implant dentistry makes it possible to provide replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. At Dallas Prosthodontics we offer multiple types of dental implants, including titanium-based or zirconium implants.

Implants can also increase your comfort by eliminating loose fitting complete and partial dentures. Dental implants act to stop the deterioration in the jawbone, which occurs when the natural teeth are lost.

Who Is A Candidate?

Many people who are missing a tooth can be a candidate for a dental implant. If you are a smoker, heavy drinker, or take certain prescription medications, you should discuss your options with your prosthodontist. The ideal candidate will have good oral health including bone structure in the mouth and healthy gum tissue.