Single Tooth Implant
Newport Beach, CA
 A dental implant is the best way to replace a lost tooth in terms of function, esthetics, and dental health. Find out more about obtaining a single tooth implant at Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry and whether it is the right option for you.
What is a Single Tooth Implant?
A dental implant replaces a tooth root. It is usually made from titanium, a biocompatible metal that has been used in medical applications for decades, although it may also be made from zirconia. The implant is placed into the jawbone, where over a period of months the bone and implant fuse together in a process called osseointegration. A few months after the placement of the implant a crown (artificial tooth) is attached to provide a strong and stable tooth replacement that should last a lifetime with good care.
Why Should I Consider a Single Tooth Implant?
One of the major benefits of replacing a tooth with an implant is that it can help to preserve the jawbone. Healthy bone requires stimulation. When a tooth is lost the bone surrounding the empty socket is no longer stimulated by the tooth root, and it begins to deteriorate. Placing an implant mimics a tooth root, and the actions of biting and chewing will help to keep the bone stimulated, healthy, and intact.
Compared to other tooth restoration procedures a single dental implant has several advantages. A dental implant will not impact the structure of neighboring teeth, unlike a fixed bridge, which will require adjacent teeth to be pared down to fit the supporting crowns onto. A dental implant is permanent and secure, compared to a removable denture which may be loose or ill-fitting.
Dental implants are easier to keep clean than bridges or dentures. They do not require special attention other than your usual twice daily brushing and flossing oral hygiene routine and regular dental maintenance.
What is the Procedure for a Single Dental Implant?
The dental implant procedure is a two-stage process. You will have a thorough assessment to make sure you are a good candidate for the treatment, and that you have enough healthy bone available to place the implant.
During the first part of the procedure, the implant is embedded into your jawbone. The treatment can be carried out under a local anesthetic or under conscious sedation. A small flap is made in the gum line above the area in the jaw where the implant is to be placed. Next, a small hole is made in the bone and the implant inserted. The gum flap is stitched back, covering the implant. The area is left to heal for a period of approximately three months. During this time, the bone and implant fuse together in a process called osseointegration, which provides a stable base for the crown to be attached.
For the second stage of the procedure, the gums will be opened up again to expose the dental implant. The dental crown is attached to the implant via an abutment, which simply joins the crown to the implant, to complete the procedure.
Find out more about a single tooth implant at Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Speak to our experts by calling us at 949-991-2499.
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