An option for patients seeking to repair a broken tooth or replace a missing a tooth is a dental implant and a tooth-shaped "cap" called a crown. A dental implant offers a stable foundation by replacing both the lost natural tooth and its root. A crown is affixed to the implant helping restore the shape and size of the original tooth and is the best solution for replacing a compromised tooth.
There are many advantages of a single-tooth implant over a bridge:
While functioning and looking like a natural tooth a dental implant provides a cost-efficient, single tooth replacement option without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. Bridges require the adjacent teeth be ground down to little nubs to support the cemented bridge which increases the risk of root canals for those adjacent teeth by 20%.
Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, the bone is better preserved. With a bridge bone deterioration will occur where your tooth root once maintained jawbone. Implants will integrate with the bone, helping keep your healthy jawbone intact.
Many times better cosmetics are achieved with implants. Implants are easier to keep clean than a bridge allowing flossing techniques like a natural tooth. Gums can recede around a bridge leaving a visible defect when the collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Resorbed bone beneath the bridge can lead to an unattractive smile. Additionally, the cement holding the bridge in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge.
How will the implant be placed?
First, if needed a failing tooth is removed. A small screw is placed into the site where there is a missing tooth. Over the next several weeks the implant and bone merge together to become one. During this time a temporary tooth replacement can be worn.
Often to achieve optimum cosmetics the implant is placed underneath the tissue requiring exposure to place the abutment. The implant and abutment together complete the foundation which your new tooth will be placed. The abutment is a small metal post that is the connector for the implant and your new tooth.
Once the abutment is placed an impression will be made so your dentist can create a new beautiful tooth. This process will take a few weeks. Afterward, you will experience a restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.