Single Tooth Dental Implants

Are you living with a missing tooth and do you worry about your appearance, as well as your ability to eat, chew, and speak properly?

If so, single tooth dental implants could be the answer.

There are many reasons why patients end up missing a tooth, some examples being injury, untreated decay or gum disease, and infection. But living with a missing tooth can cause a multitude of issues, making it harder to eat, speak, and smile, and leading to further issues with your oral health. Single tooth dental implants are the next best thing to a natural tooth, offering all the same stability and security as well as a completely natural-looking finish.

What is a single tooth dental implant?

Designed to replace just one tooth at a time, single tooth dental implants are made up of two parts. They are the titanium peg that acts as the new root of the tooth and is implanted in the jawbone, and the prosthetic tooth that is held in place on top of it. This is normally made of highly natural-looking porcelain.

Who is suitable for this treatment?

Implants can be used to replace missing teeth on just about anyone, except younger patients whose jawbones are still developing. In some cases, patients may not have enough healthy jawbone available to immediately receive an implant, but there are treatments such as bone grafts and sinus lifts that can be used to combat this.

How long does the treatment take?

Treatment for a single tooth dental implant will usually take place over a few months and includes several in-practice appointments.

What does the treatment process entail?

First, we’ll assess your suitability at a consultation, this may include X-rays and/or a CBCT scan which will be used to plan your treatment. When you come back into the practice to have your implant placed, we’ll first numb the area being treated and apply anaesthetic, so you don’t feel a thing. The titanium peg will then be placed in the jaw, and we’ll wait up to 3 months to allow the area to heal and for the implant and jaw to fully fuse together. At this point, we may provide a temporary crown for the patient to wear. After 3 months, you’ll come back into the practice, and we’ll fit you for your personal prosthesis.

What is the after-care like?

After having an implant placed, you can expect to experience some discomfort, tenderness, and pain at the site of the implant. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. We may also recommend eating soft foods only for a period of time, as the pressure of chewing can affect the implant at this early stage.