Millions of people across the United States are missing at least one tooth. A missing tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue. It’s also an oral health issue. It can affect your chewing, forcing you to avoid certain foods. With your bite, every tooth counts.
Just one missing tooth will lead to bone loss because stimulation to the gum and bone stops without the tooth. This can also cause neighboring teeth to collapse or shift toward the gap. Once your teeth are out of alignment, you may develop issues such as TMJ disorder, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
Our Baltimore dental office, Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry, offers a few options to help patients replace missing teeth. The traditional method to replace a single missing tooth is a dental bridge. A bridge consists of two anchor crowns with the replacement tooth (the pontic) in the middle, all fused together.
The dentist cements the two crowns to the anchor teeth on either side of the missing tooth. This will literally “bridge” the gap created by a missing tooth. Your second option is a dental crown secured to an implant.
Dr. Ed Lazer prefers dental implants over other restorations because they are the most natural tooth replacement option.
Dental Implant-Secured Crown
A dental implant is actually a titanium cylinder post that a prosthodontist or dental surgeon surgically implants into the jawbone. Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry is a full-service dental implant office in Baltimore. Dr. Doroshenko is a prosthodontist specializing in implantology and provides complete services at our Baltimore dental office.
After the surgery, you will need about three to six months to heal and allow the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone. Once your mouth heals, you will return to our office, where Dr. Doroshenko will attach an abutment to the implant. After about two weeks, we will finally permanently place your dental crown.
Dental Implant Versus A Traditional Dental Bridge
Understanding the similarities and differences between these two options shows how a dental implant offers many more benefits than a dental bridge. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Doroshenko can tell you whether you qualify for an implant or whether a bridge is a better option for you.
An implant replaces the tooth root, which helps preserve the bone and prevent bone loss. Dental implants don’t require grinding down your neighboring teeth. With a traditional dental bridge, the dentist must grind down the anchor teeth to make room for the two dental crowns.
An implant replaces only the single tooth and doesn’t involve neighboring teeth. In the long run, an implant-supported crown is easier to care for and will last much longer. While the implant post will last a lifetime, you may need to replace the dental crown every fifteen years. With proper care, it can last a lifetime.
Not everyone will qualify for dental implants. Generally, a good candidate for a dental implant is in optimal health and has sufficient jawbone structure for the titanium screw or post.
The dental implant process will take longer than the dental bridge process. While you can get a bridge in about two to three weeks, a dental implant can take up to seven months. Also, a dental implant costs much more than a bridge. When comparing the two options, you must consider the long-term benefits and quality of life.
Patient Review
Single Tooth Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common patient questions about single implants below:
Can I get a single implant if I have receding gums?
Yes, you can still receive an implant if you have receding gums. We will recommend periodontal treatment to remove bacteria from your gum tissue and gum grafting to add healthy gum tissue to receded gums. Once you are healed and your oral health is good, we can begin planning your implant treatment.
Who is a good candidate for a single tooth dental implant?
Good candidates for single-tooth implants have one missing tooth, sufficient jawbone to support an implant, and good oral health. We can help patients become good implant candidates by recommending bone grafting to add healthy jawbone where needed.
Our office may also recommend gum disease treatment, root canal therapy, and other treatments to ensure that patients are healthy and not at risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
What is the success rate of single tooth dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95 percent. Implants are made of high-quality titanium and easily integrate with the jawbone over three to six months. Dr. Doroshenko expertly places dental implants and maximizes natural and grafted bone tissue for the best placement and function. We also ensure patients are prepared for implants before the procedure and stay healthy throughout the process.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
You will not feel pain during implant treatment because we use an anesthetic to numb the treated area. Once the anesthetic wears off, you will take pain medication and use ice packs to reduce discomfort and swelling. After a week or two, you should no longer feel discomfort from your implant placement.
How long does it take to get a single dental implant?
Placing a single dental implant can take one to two hours. After we place your dental implant, it will take 3 to 6+ months for the implant anchor to fully heal. The dental implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone and become a solid part of your smile.
Are single dental implants worth it?
Yes, if you have a single missing tooth, we will recommend a single dental implant over alternatives like dental bridges. While dental implants take longer to heal, they are worth it for many patients because they offer lasting support.
Dental implants restore missing teeth at the root, prevent teeth from shifting, and improve bite function, among other benefits. Implants are also permanent; with proper care, they can last for years.
Learn More About Dental Implants