DENTAL IMPLANTS
Single Tooth Implant Replacement
When only one tooth in the mouth is damaged or missing, it is not necessary to work on the surrounding healthy teeth. After all, you want to keep your natural healthy teeth as long as possible. A single tooth implant allows you to replace the damaged or missing tooth without interfering with any other teeth.
What is a Single Tooth Replacement Implant?
Single tooth implants replace missing or severely damaged teeth. In some cases, a single tooth implant may be used to replace two or three missing teeth. Single tooth implants are typically used for patients who have one missing tooth and the surrounding teeth are considered healthy and structurally sound.
Placement of a single tooth implant requires a surgical procedure that is performed in the office. The first step of the surgical procedure involves placing the titanium implant into the upper or lower jawbone. Once the titanium implant is placed, it takes several weeks to attach to the jawbone.
After the single tooth implant has attached to the jawbone, Denver Prosthodontist Dr. Aldo Leopardi of DenteVita Prosthodontics will place a crown on top. A crown will fill in the gap created by the missing or damaged tooth with a dental device that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Reasons to Consider a Single Tooth Implant
Dr. Aldo Leopardi will typically recommend that patients consider a single tooth dental implant when one tooth is damaged or missing. This option allows patients to replace their missing tooth with a structurally sound dental implant.
A list of the reasons why you may want to consider a single tooth implant include:
- Ability to preserve bone structure
- Placement of a long-term solution, as a dental implant can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance and upkeep
- Ability to replace a single missing tooth without damaging any adjacent teeth
- Ability to replace a missing or damaged tooth with a dental implant that functions as a natural tooth
Drawbacks of a Single Tooth Implant
Every dental procedure has drawbacks associated with it. It is important to weigh the benefits with the disadvantages before making a decision on whether or not to get a single tooth implant.
Some of the disadvantages associated with a single tooth implant include:
- Long healing time
- Multi-step process that involves a series of office visits
- Cost – Dental implants may not be covered by dental insurance
- Potential for an implant failure – Dental implants have a low failure rate but it can still happen if proper post-appointment instructions are not followed
Dr. Aldo Leopardi of DenteVita Prosthodontics is an experienced Prosthodontist who has performed hundreds of single tooth dental implants for patients all across Colorado. If you are considering this option, schedule an appointment with Dr. Aldo Leopardi to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a single tooth dental implant and receive recommendations for treatment options.