Single Tooth Implant
West Linn, OR
 Is tooth loss something you are experiencing right now? You are not alone. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and about 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth, with 30 percent being adults aged between 65 and 74 years old. If this describes you, several procedures can be done to correct your missing tooth, one of them being a single tooth implant. For questions about single tooth implants or if you would like to speak with a member of our team at ZenTech Dentistry, we are available to consult with you and find the best treatment to match your needs.
What are Single Tooth Implants?
Single-tooth implant surgery is a restorative procedure that we conduct to replace a missing tooth. It involves placing titanium screws into the jawbone where the missing tooth was originally located, replacing the natural roots, and acting in their place. The metal screws fuse with the jawbone, creating a durable and lasting artificial root that will hold an artificial tooth, effectively replicating the look and feel of a natural tooth. This procedure is often done for patients who find dentures or dental bridges uncomfortable or when there is a lack of adequate bone or tooth structure to support these alternative procedures.
Who Should Have a Single Tooth Implant?
If you are missing a single tooth and do not want to have dentures or have bridgework surgery performed, you may want to consider a dental implant. To receive a single tooth implant, you should have healthy gums, adequate bone to support the implant or receive a bone graft, and have no preexisting conditions that may affect your jaw’s ability to heal following the surgery. Additionally, good oral hygiene habits and regular dental check ups help ensure a successful recovery and healing following the initial surgery.
If you are healthy and committed to good oral hygiene, a single tooth implant could be a good solution for you. However, if you are a heavy smoker or you struggle with chronic conditions like diabetes, we can evaluate whether this is the best procedure for you or if an alternative will serve you better.
Why You Might Want a Single Tooth Implant
There are several reasons why you might consider a single tooth implant. One reason is that the final result is more comfortable, closely resembling the look and feel of your natural teeth. This makes eating, speaking, and smiling easier and seamless, without having to worry about your teeth slipping, which can occur with dentures. Additionally, bridgework, another alternative, requires grounding down adjacent teeth to support a cemented bridge to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. By contrast, single tooth implants only affect the missing section while leaving neighboring teeth intact.
Over the long term, single tooth implants can be a better esthetic choice while being easier to maintain than a bridge or dentures. If you are missing a tooth and would like to correct it, a single tooth implant is a great long-term solution that ZenTech Dentistry can assist you with. Call us at (503) 765-9699 to schedule an appointment or speak with a member of our team. |
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(503) 765-9699
