Single Tooth Dental Implants in Addison, TX
Replace Missing Teeth For Life
While it may seem that only missing one tooth isn’t that big of a deal, the reality is that, unaddressed, it can cause issues with your oral health. If the tooth is left missing for too long, it can encourage the surrounding teeth to tilt and the opposing tooth to protrude from the gums. Not only can this lead to malocclusion (a poor bite), but it can also leave you more susceptible to gum infection. If you’d like to prevent these problems and have your smile restored to normal, contact our Addison dental office today to request an appointment!
Your Single Tooth Replacement Options
Our implant dentist in Addison, TX, offers the following two methods for replacing a single missing tooth:
- Fixed Bridge – An above-gum route for tooth replacement, a fixed bridge consists of a replacement prosthetic tooth and crowns that fit over the adjacent teeth. The three components are permanently bonded to each other to fill the vacated space.
- Single Tooth Implant – A single tooth implant provides the utmost in security by your dentist attaching the titanium post to the jawbone. Over a period of three to nine months, the implant fuses with the bone bed to form a solid and lasting foundation. The stability that it provides is only rivalled by the original tooth root itself. After the healing and fusion are complete, we’ll add an implant-retained crown to leave your smile fully restored.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
By attaching to the jawbone, dental implants are unlike any other form of tooth replacement. In addition to providing a level of security that is unmatched, here are their other benefits:
- By attaching beneath the gum line, dental implants closely mimic the appearance of your natural teeth.
- Thus, you can look forward to having a gorgeous smile.
- Patients who receive a fixed bridge have to settle for a sharp decline in bite power.
- With dental implant placement, though, you can regain up to 95% of your original chewing capacity.
- For the fixed bridge procedure to be completed, the adjacent teeth must be altered.
- There’s no need for this with a single dental implant, as the fixture is completely self-sufficient.
- With proper care, which includes brushing and flossing at least two times a day, monitoring what you eat and visiting us semi-annually for cleanings and checkups, your implant can very well last for a lifetime.
The Ideal Candidate
Good candidates for single tooth dental implants typically include individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Candidates should be in overall good health and free from uncontrolled medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process.
- Sufficient bone density and volume in the jaw are necessary to support the dental implant. If there is insufficient bone, bone grafting may be required before placement.
- Healthy gums are crucial for the success of dental implants. Gum disease or other gum issues should be treated and under control before implant surgery.
- Candidates should be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene after the implant placement to ensure the long-term success of the implant.
- Smoking can negatively impact the success of dental implants. Candidates who smoke should be willing to quit or significantly reduce smoking both before and after the procedure.
- Single tooth dental implants are designed to replace individual missing teeth. If you have multiple missing teeth, restorations, such as bridges or implant-supported dentures, may be a better option.
What To Expect
So, you’ve decided to get dental implants and you’re a little anxious about what to expect. You can anticipate a multi-step process that we’ve given a general overview of below:
- The journey begins with an initial consultation with our implant dentist in Addison, TX. We'll assess your dental health and review your medical history, take X-rays and 3D scans, and discuss your treatment options.
- Dr. De Vincenzo will create a custom treatment plan for you, outlining how many implants are needed, their optimal placement, and the type of prosthesis (such as a crown, bridge, or denture) to be attached
- Your dentist will discuss any preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts.
- On the day of your surgery, Dr. De Vincenzo will place the implants in the jaw bone, using local anaesthetic and sedation to reduce discomfort.
- A healing period is required for osseointegration, during which the implants fuse with the surrounding jawbone. This process can take several months, during which temporary restorations may be used.
- Once osseointegration is complete, abutments (connector pieces) are attached to the implants. These abutments serve as anchors for the final prosthetic teeth.
- The final step is attaching the dental crown or bridge to the abutments which will look, feel and function just like natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you may experience some discomfort during the initial healing period, dental implant surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure minimal pain during the procedure. Post-surgery, any pain or discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications. Most patients find that the discomfort is manageable and subsides within a few days. The long-term benefits of dental implants, such as improved oral function and aesthetics, far outweigh any temporary discomfort.
Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. The success and lifespan of dental implants also depend on factors like bone health, overall health, and choosing a skilled Addison dentist like Dr. De Vincenzo to place them.
While dental implants are a viable option for many people, not everyone is an ideal candidate. Good candidates should have adequate bone density and volume in the jaw to support the implants, healthy gums, and be in overall good health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes and certain medications can impact implant success. If bone density is insufficient, bone grafting may be necessary to prepare for implant placement.
The cost of implants varies depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the type of prosthesis used, and any additional procedures required. On average, the cost per implant can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. It’s important to consult with a dental provider for a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate. Dental insurance may cover some of the expenses, but coverage varies widely.
Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional dentures and bridges. They provide superior stability, function, and comfort, as they are anchored securely in the jawbone. Dental implants also help preserve bone density in the jaw and do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, as bridges do. While they may have a higher upfront cost, many patients find that dental implants provide a long-term, more natural-looking, and functional solution.
The entire process typically takes several months, though the exact timeline varies based on individual factors. It includes the initial consultation and treatment planning, any necessary preparatory procedures, implant placement, a healing period (2 to 6 months for osseointegration), abutment placement, and finally, the attachment of the prosthetic teeth. Patients should be prepared for a commitment that spans several months but ultimately results in a permanent and durable tooth replacement.
All Your Needs Met Under One Roof
When you visit us for dental implant placement, you won’t have to worry about working with any other practice to have the procedure completed. At Addison Family Dentistry, we perform the implant insertion process from start-to-finish. We also provide restorative care for implants like crown or bridge repairs.
So to have your missing tooth replaced and your life restored to normal, don’t hesitate to contact us to get expertly-placed dental implants in Addison, TX!
