Single Tooth Replacement with an Implant
Fountain Valley, CA
When you lose a tooth, particularly one near the back of the mouth out of view when you smile, you might not think it is that big of a deal. However, losing even just one tooth can have a significant impact on your life. There are several reasons you might lose a tooth, including gum disease, facial trauma, simple extractions, and more. No matter how you lose the tooth or where it is located, it is essential that it be replaced right away. At Bijan Family Dental Practice, we can replace a single missing tooth with a dental implant.
Effects of Losing a Tooth
Losing even just one tooth can have a massive effect on every aspect of your life. Effects of tooth loss include: | • |
Trouble eating properly. When you cannot chew properly, your digestion is affected, which can impact your overall nutrition.
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Speech issues. The location of the tooth may cause a lisp to develop.
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Losing a tooth at the front of the mouth can have a significant impact on your smile, as well as your confidence.
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Food can get stuck in the empty space. The space is also more difficult to keep clean, which can increase your risk of developing tooth decay and different types of gum disease.
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Uneven pressure on the adjacent teeth can increase your risk for tooth damage and loss.
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A loss of stimulation from the tooth causes bone loss in the jaw, which then leads to the adjacent teeth shifting out of alignment. This can lead to issues such as bruxism and TMD. |
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a modern treatment for replacing missing teeth. Implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, from one to many. When missing one tooth, an implant takes the place of a traditional bridge. An implant consists of three components: | • |
The post. The post, made from titanium, is surgically placed directly into your jawbone. The bone fuses to the post, stabilizing it within your jaw. Once fully healed, the post becomes the root for your dental restoration.
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The abutment. The abutment is placed on the top of the implant. It is often called the connector, and it provides stability for the replacement tooth.
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The dental restoration. The restoration is your replacement tooth. It is typically made from ceramic, a material that perfectly mimics the properties of natural enamel. |
How Dental Implants Are Placed
Dental implants require a surgical procedure, which is done under a local anesthetic. Sedation may be provided as well, enabling you to remain comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. Guided Surgery begins with a small hole in your gum tissue, exposing the bone underneath. Next, we drill holes into your jawbone and place the implant post directly inside. Finally, the temporary teeth are placed on top.
The amount of time it takes to heal from surgery varies from 3-6 months. During this time, the bone gradually fuses to the implant, integrating them into your jaw. This effectively turns them into strong, stable roots that will be used to hold your new restorations securely in place. We monitor your progress closely to ensure that you are healing properly. Once you have fully healed, impressions of your mouth are taken, which are then used to create a custom abutments (post) and a temporary tooth. This allows the tissue to mature further and results in more predictable esthetics when we make the final crown a few months later. When we they are finished with the final crown, we check them for fit and bite before securing them into place with small screws or on occasion cemented
The Benefits of Dental Implants for Tooth Loss
A dental implant for replacing your missing tooth provides several incredible benefits: | • |
The functions of your missing tooth are restored. You can eat and speak normally again.
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Your smile and your confidence are restored. The restoration looks exactly like your real tooth.
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The implant is more comfortable. The tooth is supported by the post, and your jawbone, rather than your adjacent teeth.
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The post restores stimulation to your jawbone. This helps to stop and prevent bone loss in your jaw, keeping it strong and healthy. |
Using dental implants is an effective treatment for replacing a missing tooth that not only restores the functions of the tooth but also protects the health and integrity of your jawbone. Call Bijan Family Dental Practice at (714) 421-4494 today for more information and to schedule your appointment to find out if single tooth replacements with implants are right for you.
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