Single Implants

What are single implants?

Single implants are individual screw-shaped titanium devices that support single crowns to replace missing teeth. Over the course of a couple of months, your dentist places the implant, your jawbone fuses to the implant, and your dentist places a custom porcelain or zirconia crown onto the implant. Throughout the process, you have a temporary restoration to fill out your smile. 

A single implant functions the same as the natural root of an adult tooth. The root anchors your tooth to the jawbone and prevents the bone from eroding. When you get a dental implant, a process called osseointegration happens, and your bone fuses to the implant. That ensures a secure hold that will last indefinitely, so you can use the crown just like you use your natural teeth.

Am I a good candidate for a single implant?

Getting a dental implant is highly beneficial for your long-term oral health, but it’s not the best option in every case of a missing tooth. Periodontist of Weston makes sure you’re a good candidate with a consultation before you start the process of replacing your tooth. 

You might be a good candidate for dental implants if you:

• Have no jawbone erosion or can get a bone graft
• Have healthy gums
• Practice great oral hygiene
• Don’t use tobacco
• Don’t grind your teeth

If you have any jawbone erosion under the missing tooth, bone regeneration can increase your bone density so it can safely integrate with and support your titanium dental implant.

What are the benefits of getting a single implant?

Losing one adult tooth might not seem like a huge problem considering you still have 31 or so other teeth. Yet, just one missing tooth can cause multiple dental issues immediately and in the future. 

By replacing a missing tooth with a single implant, you can avoid those dental issues. The benefits of getting a dental implant include:

• No compromise to the health of adjacent teeth
• Prevention of jawbone erosion
• Natural appearance
• Natural feel
• Durability
• No additional maintenance beyond your usual routine

Your dental implant stays in place permanently. You might someday have to replace its porcelain or zirconia crown, but you can expect the implant itself to remain in your jawbone for life. 

If you’re missing a tooth and want to know more about single implants, call Periodontist of Weston or schedule an appointment online today.