Single Dental Implant - Affordable Dental Implant Options
Dental implants are perfect for people missing single or multiple teeth. They are excellent solutions to replace missing, damaged, infected or decayed teeth, including gum disease. They resemble natural teeth and have easy maintenance, just like your natural teeth.
If you are missing just one tooth, you can go for a single dental implant to replace the missing tooth rather than all-on-4 or full mouth implants.
What is a Single Tooth Implant?
A single tooth implant is a dental implant surgery used to replace one missing tooth. Your dentist ensures the titanium post is inserted into the jawbone of the missing tooth to replace the lost tooth’s root. After that, a dental crown is attached over the titanium post. In treating the loss of a single tooth.
A single dental tooth implant is preferred over a tooth-supported fixed bridge. It replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of the other neighbouring tooth. A single implant is also easier to maintain than a dental bridge.
A single tooth dental implant comprises a screw-shaped titanium implant placed within the jawbone, an abutment connecting the implant to the dental crown or bridge. The dental crown is the visible part of the entire process.
Types of Single Tooth Implants
Implants are small in size, and they come from pure titanium. There are two types of single tooth implants.
Endosteal
The endosteal implant is the most popular tooth implant type, but they require good and healthy bones for fusion. In the endosteal, the titanium post is placed in the jaw of the missing tooth. The procedure requires time to heal; it needs time to create a fusion and stronghold. After healing, the artificial tooth is placed in the titanium post to ensure it fits in with the neighbouring teeth.
Subperiosteal
The subperiosteal implant is the next alternate option to the endosteal tooth implant. Unlike the endosteal inserted into the jawbone, the implants rest on top of the bone but under the gum in the subperiosteal.
The implant dentist uses this method only when the patient’s jawbone is inadequate for implant placement or when the patient does not wish to have extensive dental surgery to add more bone to the area. After the metal frame is placed under the gum with a post attached, the gum heals around the frame holding it in place before the artificial tooth gets attached.
Single Tooth Dental Implant Procedure
No two treatment plans are the same; everyone’s situation is different. You can find out what’s involved in your implant procedure.
Initial Consultation
This is when you visit your dentist and lay out your complaints. Your dentist thoroughly examines your oral health first by examining the site in the mouth and using CT scanning, X-ray, and digital photography. They will also check whether a dental implant is suitable for you.
Your dentist further gives you all the treatment options available with advantages and disadvantages. The costs of each procedure are also provided and further answer all questions that you may have regarding the treatment. Finally, your dentist lets you decide what’s best for you based on everything he says.
Preparation & Treatment Planning
Your dentist assesses the quality and quantity of your jawbone to see if more jawbone is needed at the site. During the entire surgical procedure, your dentist gives you a local anaesthetic to numb the surgical area and other sedatives necessary for comfort.
The endodontic treatment is usually done with a local anaesthetic.
Placement Of Dental Implant
The placement of dental implants happens with little or no discomfort. The damaged tooth is extracted to prepare for the placement of a dental implant. For a site with bone loss, bone grafting will be done. Bone grafting helps achieve a solid base of bone for the denial implants.
There are cases where the amount of bone in the jaw is limited by the maxillary sinus. A sinus lift or augmentation is done to graft more bone into the sinus and raise the sinus.
Once you have a strong bone, the site is ready for an implant. Your dentist ensures the dental implants are placed into the bone and a healing cap over the implant. They stitch the gum, and the healing phase begins.
Your healing may take two to six months giving room for the implant to be integrated with the bone. It would help to have regular check-ups to ensure the surgical site is free of infection.
Designing New Tooth
After the healing phase, the next step is for your dentist to determine how well the fusion went. The dentist assesses the surrounding bone, and if everything is okay, a prosthetic component called an abutment is connected to the dental implant. The dentist then makes a mould of the abutment in your mouth.
Creating New Tooth
Your dentist creates a mould of the abutment in your mouth and has the implant crown made custom to fit. Your dentist also makes impressions on your mouth and the remaining teeth. This purpose is to make the false teeth feel like your own teeth.
Fitting New Tooth
Once your dentist places the abutment, your gums must heal for about two weeks before the artificial tooth is placed. You can select from a list of either permanent or removable fake teeth. You can decide to go for both; then, your dentist inserts the tooth.
What To Expect During The Procedure?
During the single tooth implant procedure, expect the following:
- Damaged tooth extraction
- Jawbone preparation and bone grafting when needed
- Dental implant placement
- Bone growth and healing
- Abutment placement
- Artificial tooth placement
After the procedure, you should expect some swellings around the gum in your face, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding. Your dentist will prescribe some medications for the pain and advise you not to take any hard foods during healing. The implant begins to look and feel like natural teeth as time passes.
Cost of Single Tooth Implant
According to the National Dental Fee survey, the cost of a single tooth implant in Australia sits between $3000 – $5000 per tooth. The cost of this invasive procedure is not covered by Medicare insurance. However, you can contact My Implant Dentist to get affordable dental treatment.
implants
All On 4 Implants
Benefits of Single Dental Implant
Asides from giving you a permanent tooth, the single implant has other benefits, which include:
- Implants look and feel natural
- They are easy to clean
- The implants preserve the health of the neighbouring tooth
- Implants are made to give you a better appearance and a new smile
- Single tooth implants can as be used to stabilise loose or removable dentures
Conclusion
Having a dental implant can make you nervous, but there are no worries regarding the process. Single tooth dental implant has the sole purpose of replacing a single tooth without sacrificing the health of the neighbouring tooth.
Contact us today if you are in Perth or Brisbane and need dental implant treatment. It is advisable to go to an experienced dental implant centre, like My Implant Dentist, for the treatment to avoid any future complications. We are always ready to provide you with optimum dental care and various dental treatment options.
FAQ
Who Is Suitable For Single Implants?
Good candidates for single implants have healthy gums, sufficient bone density through which bone grafting can take place, great oral hygiene, and minimal bruxism.
How Long Does A Single Tooth Implant Last?
For many people, a single tooth implant can last between 20 – 30 years. However, the implant’s lifespan depends on how well you care for your teeth.
Is A Single Tooth Implant Worth It?
Yes, the entire process is worth it. The confidence and comfort you will experience at the end are equal to none.
How Can I Speed Up Dental Implant Healing?
To speed up the healing process, you need to take note of the following tips:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities
- Avoid hard substances. Go for soft and nutritious food.
- Be hydrated
- Use ice packs to reduce the swelling
- Avoid smoking and practice good oral hygiene
