Single Tooth Replacement
What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?
When a tooth is missing, a replacement tooth should be put into the open space in order to maintain proper dental alignment and health. Dental implants are the ideal solution.
Contact Dr. Retana today to schedule a consultation and find out how our single tooth replacement services can benefit your oral health and appearance.
What Is a Single Tooth Replacement?
For patients missing or soon to be missing a single tooth, a Single Dental Implant Restoration is the ideal solution. There are multiple treatment options to consider when replacing a missing tooth, but dental implants are a permanent, worry-free solution. Consisting of a small screw and a customized crown, dental implants are ideal for replacing single teeth without impairing gum health or damaging surrounding teeth.
Leaving a gap from a missing tooth results in gradual bone loss in the jaw and shifting of the surrounding teeth towards the hole. A dental implant stimulates the jaw bone the same way as a natural tooth. It functions like a natural tooth and blends in with your smile. Maintenance works the same way as for a natural tooth, and the implant post can last a lifetime, even if the crown on top needs replacing after ten to fifteen years.
What Can I Expect During the Single Tooth Replacement Process?
Modern dental implant technology and procedures allow most single tooth implant patients, even those with a failing tooth to have an implant and temporary crown the same day. This scenario creates a seamless treatment with the patient usually leaving with a much better tooth than the original. After a few weeks, a permanent implant crown can be delivered to replace the temporary crown. The permanent crown is either screw or cement retained. Screw retention is the preferred method because it is more hygienic.
Benefits of Single Tooth Implant Replacement:
- No damage to natural teeth (compared to tooth bridge)
- Maintenance of bone volume (the implant preserves the bone)
- Less force on surrounding teeth (the implant strengthens the surrounding teeth/arch)
- Better aesthetic outcome (if the implant is properly positioned)
How Will The New Implant Crown Look?
The new implant crown should match the opposing natural teeth within 95%. Our goal is to match the adjacent natural teeth exactly with dental implants. However, there are so many variations in natural teeth that it is not always possible to match them 100%. The less than perfect goal is to have the tooth blend in with the surrounding teeth so that the vast majority of people will never be able to pick the implant crown. If your implant crown is noticeable then your dentist or their lab did not try hard enough!
Why Choose Single Tooth Replacement at Dallas Dental Implants & Reconstructive Surgery?
Many dentists and lab technicians agree that replacing a single, upper central incisor is the most difficult procedure in all of dentistry. This saying originated before dental implants. The use of porcelain to match enamel, even in the hands of an expert dental technician (ceramist) is a daunting task. The implant position, color and contour further complicate the challenge. There is no doubt that experience, tenacity and a commitment to excellence helps the process. Here, at this practice Dr Retana does not stop until the color matching process is as close as humanly possible.
What Is the Cost for Single Tooth Implants?
The cost varies greatly depending upon the region, doctor’s training, implant type, number of dental implants, the need for bone grafting and type of material used for the final restoration. For Single Tooth Implant Replacement the cost range will be, $3,500 – $7,500.