Quick Summary
A single tooth dental implant replaces both the natural tooth and the tooth's root. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial root and anchor a crown. Unlike a tooth-supported bridge, which requires the neighbouring teeth to be filed down into peg shapes, an implant preserves those healthy teeth. With good hygiene and regular care, single tooth implants can last as long as 25 years.
If you have lost a tooth due to injury, disease, or decay, you may be wondering what your options are for restoration. The best, long-term solution for restoring your single missing tooth is a dental implant fitted with a crown. A single tooth dental implant replaces both the natural tooth, as well as the tooth’s root.
A dental implant allows you to replace a missing tooth without altering the state of surrounding teeth. Common alternative treatments, such as the placement of a tooth-supported bridge, require neighboring teeth to be filed or cut down into peg shapes to support the appliance. Those compromised teeth are more susceptible to decay and bone loss. However, dental implants do not require such alterations, thus preserving the healthy teeth. The placement of an implant involves placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, which provides an anchor for the placement of the implant. This artificial “root” attaches to the bone and gums to become a base for a crown.
You may be tempted to avoid restoring one missing tooth; however, leaving it untreated can result in bone loss, altered chewing capability, and an overall unappealing appearance to your smile. For these reasons, it would be wise to consider an individual dental implant to replace your single missing tooth. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, single tooth implants can last as long as 25 years. Schedule a consultation with your dental professional to determine if you are a good candidate for a single tooth dental implant to replace your missing tooth and restore your healthy smile.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Billerica dental office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just have a bridge instead?
A tooth-supported bridge requires the neighbouring teeth to be filed or cut down into peg shapes to support the appliance, and those compromised teeth become more susceptible to decay and bone loss. A dental implant does not require any alteration to the healthy teeth around it.
How long does a single tooth implant last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, single tooth implants can last as long as 25 years.
What happens if I leave a single missing tooth untreated?
Leaving one missing tooth untreated can result in bone loss, altered chewing capability, and an overall unappealing appearance to your smile. That is why it is worth considering an implant even for a single gap.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.