Single Tooth Replacement

Permanent Tooth Replacement - Dental Implants

Benefits of a single tooth implant supported crown:
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent tooth replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with an implant supported crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

Although every case is unique, a dental implant typically heals for 2-6 months following surgical placement. In many cases a temporary tooth replacement is fabricated by your restoring dentist during this healing period, however in some circumstances immediate temporary crowns are connected to the new implant on the day of surgery.

• Possible immediate temporization
• Excellent esthetic result
• Stable, long-term solution         

COURSE OF DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT

INSTALLING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1: Before the procedure The dentist completes a thorough examination and takes one or more radiographs of the area to prepare for the procedure.	2: Installing the implant The implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you eat and function like normal almost immediately.  The implant will need a few months to integrate with the bone before the next step is taken.

3: Attaching the new crown The final step is the placement of the permanent implant supported crown.	4: End result You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean.

	Tooth-supported fixed bridge A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorbtion in the edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge.
	Removable partial denture This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist: adjacent teeth aren't affected. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap.
	Resin-bonded bridge This alternative 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 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.