Single Tooth Implants at Crown Dentistry
Dr. Chan, what is a single tooth implant, and how does it differ from other types of tooth replacements?
Single tooth implants are a great treatment option available to all of our patients. When you're missing a tooth, you basically have three ways to replace it. The first would be a denture, either a full or a partial denture, which is removable. The next option would be a bridge, a restoration connected to teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. That one is cemented in your mouth, making it a permanent restoration. The third option is an implant, where we put a restoration in your mouth to replace the missing tooth.
Dr. Chan, can you explain the full tooth implant process from consultation to placement?
One of the cool things about a single tooth implant is that you don't have to involve any of the teeth next to the missing tooth. Some disadvantages of a bridge or partial denture involve the need for treatment on the teeth on either side or in other parts of the mouth to stabilize the restoration. This is okay if you need work on those other teeth, but if they're perfect and healthy, you might not want to touch them.
The great thing about a single tooth implant is that you're able to avoid this. We make sure there is plenty of jawbone available in the area where the tooth is missing. We take an X-ray of your jaw and head to determine this, then schedule a time to place the implant. The implant is a restoration that goes into your jawbone, taking the place of your tooth root, the tooth that was previously missing. Once the implant is in, we usually wait a couple of months to ensure your body accepts it, as it's putting bone around the implant and stabilizing it within your jawbone.
After 3 to 6 months, we check the implant inside your jawbone. If it's healthy and integrates properly, we move to the next step: putting an implant crown onto the implant. The implant crown is the visible tooth part above your gums. It's like putting a crown on another tooth, but instead, you're connecting it to the implant. When it's done, you have a new tooth.
What does the tooth implant procedure typically involve, and how long does it take?
For the implant procedure, you've had a cone beam X-ray, which tells us how much bone you have in all three dimensions. Once we have this information, we know the size and type of implant your specific area requires, we then schedule you for the implant surgery appointment.
We anesthetize the area, and we'll either pull the gums back to see the bone or sometimes go straight through the gums to make a small hole in your bone for the implant. The implant is placed where the tooth is missing. Then, either your gums are sewn up or, if a small hole was made, a small piece called an abutment, like a cap over the gums, is screwed into place. The appointment ends, and we usually see you about a week later to ensure things are healing well.
What is a bone growth for a tooth implant and when is it necessary?
One of the most important aspects of implants is having enough jawbone to make the implant secure and stable. In areas where there isn't enough bone due to infection or trauma, a bone graft might be necessary. A bone graft can be synthetic bone, bone from another part of your mouth, or bone from cadavers or animal products. These are used to augment the existing bone, ensuring the implant will be stable and solid inside your mouth.
How does a single tooth implant compare to a bridge or denture for tooth replacement?
An implant is one of three options to replace teeth. It's permanent, so you don't have to worry about taking it in and out like a denture. A bridge is also permanent, cemented in your mouth. The advantage of an implant is that it doesn't involve the teeth on either side, making it more contained and less invasive to the rest of your mouth.
Another benefit is that you can clean around it like a regular tooth, allowing you to floss and brush naturally. While a bridge is a nice restoration, it has some limitations. You can't floss in between the parts of the bridge, only underneath, which can be challenging if the gums are tight or hard to reach.
What should patients expect in terms of healing after receiving an implant tooth?
Usually, when people get an implant placed, they experience soreness for a day or two, manageable with Advil, Tylenol, or sometimes stronger narcotics and warm salt rinses. People typically start feeling better 3 to 4 days after the implant is placed. If patients experience pain or discomfort beyond that, corticosteroids might be prescribed to calm the body and immune system, though this is rare.
How can patients find a qualified tooth implant dentist?
It's important to talk with any dentist who will be working in your mouth. Discuss how long they've been performing procedures, how many they've done, and their success rate. The key is to have conversations with your potential dental care providers. If you're interested in an implant, please call our office. We would love to chat with you and schedule a time for a consultation.
What are the benefits of dental implants for single tooth replacement?
There are many benefits to single tooth implants. They restore your smile and mouth to how they used to be. A missing tooth can be traumatic both psychologically and physically. Single tooth implants help you regain the ability to smile and eat and keep your teeth in place. Missing teeth can lead to shifting of the teeth or jaw, which can be problematic on multiple levels. That's why we offer single tooth implants to our patients.
How much does a single tooth implant cost without insurance?
The cost of single tooth implants ranges from $1,800 to $3,800, depending on the size and location of the implant and whether bone grafting is needed. Additionally, the crown on top of the implant typically costs between $1,700 and $2,500.
How can I find out if I'm a good candidate for a single tooth implant?
The best way to determine if you're a good candidate for a single tooth implant is to visit our office. We can take X-rays and scans, conduct an exam on the area of interest, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Are there significant differences between the cost of a single tooth implant and other options?
Implants tend to be similar in price to bridges but more expensive than removable dentures, whether full or partial. They are more costly than doing nothing and receiving no treatment. However, there are trade-offs and costs associated with not replacing a missing tooth.
Thank you for watching the video. I hope this has been helpful. If you have any more questions about implants or any aspects of dentistry, please call our office at (916) 848-2145. We're here to help.