Just one missing tooth can impact the health and stability of the whole smile. Tooth gaps can lead to shifting teeth, bite issues, tooth decay, and a myriad of dental and overall health problems.
If you have lost a single permanent tooth, a dental implant can replace the tooth at the root and provide a false tooth that looks and feels natural.
At Premier Dental Care, we offer single-tooth implants in our Lancaster and Palmdale, CA, dental offices. We also offer implant-supported bridges for multiple consecutive teeth and implant-secured dentures for rows or full arches of lost teeth.
Replacing a single missing tooth with a dental implant offers key benefits, including preserving your existing tooth structure and bite.
When using a dental implant, there is no need to degrade adjacent healthy teeth for placing a supporting dental crown, a typical part of the traditional dental bridge process.
A dental implant gives you a new tooth that supports natural biting and chewing, restoring your best quality of life with no dietary restrictions.
Implant-Supported Dental Crowns
Single-tooth implants replace the natural tooth root. When we place implants, we first place the titanium implant post in the jaw bone. Then, an abutment provides a foundation for the dental crown. After the implant fully heals, we will place a dental crown on the abutment.
Creating custom-made dental crowns ensures that the tooth looks and feels natural. Crowns are caps made of reflective porcelain materials that fully cover teeth or cap off implants.
Post-op care for dental implants includes a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits to keep the surrounding gum tissue and remaining natural teeth healthy.
Learn more about caring or your implants with this AAID education video:
Do I Need a Bridge or Dental Implant?
A traditional dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. Patients can receive a bridge even if they only have a single lost tooth. Dental bridges use natural teeth adjacent to a tooth gap to secure false teeth. Bridge treatment requires dental crowns to cap off natural teeth.
However, natural teeth require preparation for dental crowns. Bridges are only preferable if the teeth adjacent to a missing tooth have sustained damage. Otherwise, it is unnecessary to place crowns on healthy teeth.
While dental crowns restore the smile’s appearance, implants can offer more benefits to patients over a dental bridge. Dental implant posts replace missing teeth at the root, meaning they function and feel like natural teeth.
Although dental implant treatment will take longer, many patients benefit from improved speaking, eating, and oral health. Dental implants replace teeth at the root, meaning patients enjoy speaking and eating more naturally.
Discover more about dental implant treatment on our website:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for a single-tooth implant?
You’re likely a good candidate if you’re missing a tooth and have healthy gums and sufficient bone density. Non-smokers with good overall health tend to have the best outcomes. A consultation with our office will determine if implants are suitable for you.
What are my alternatives to a single-tooth implant?
Yes, alternatives include dental bridges and partial dentures. A bridge uses adjacent teeth for support, while a partial denture is removable. However, implants offer a more permanent and natural-feeling solution.
Is an implant-supported crown better than a bridge?
An implant-supported crown replaces a missing tooth without affecting the neighboring teeth. It involves placing a titanium post in your jawbone and attaching a crown on top. A dental bridge, on the other hand, requires grinding down adjacent teeth to support the false tooth. Many people prefer implants because they feel more natural and help preserve bone density, but the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the success rate of crown implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of about 95%. They’re a reliable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Factors like good oral hygiene and overall health contribute to the success. Regular check-ups with your dentist help ensure everything stays on track.
Is dental implant crown placement painful?
Placing the crown on your implant is usually a comfortable process. We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. You might experience some pressure, but it’s generally quick and easy. Any soreness afterward is minimal and fades fast.
How painful is a single-tooth implant?
Getting a single-tooth implant involves minor surgery, but we make sure you’re comfortable throughout. Local anesthesia numbs the area, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, you might feel swelling or discomfort, which over-the-counter pain relievers can manage. Most people find it’s similar to having a tooth extracted.
How long does a single-tooth dental implant take?
The entire process can take three months from start to finish. Placing the implant usually takes about an hour. Then, we wait three to six months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone. After that, we attach the crown in a separate appointment. While it takes time, the result is a strong and natural-looking tooth replacement.
Receive Implant Treatment Today
Call our Lancaster office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online. You can call our Palmdale office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.