Teeth Replacement using Single Dental Implants and Bridges
Single Tooth Dental Implants
If you have a single missing tooth, we can give you an implant and a crown to replace it. The dental implant will replace both the missing natural tooth and the root of the tooth. We perform multiple teeth replacement using a combination of dental implants and bridges as well.
Implant-supported dental bridges
The implant-supported bridge is similar to the standard dental bridge except that it is supported by implants and not by natural teeth. Compared to conventional bridges, implant-supported bridges deliver a range of advantages. Since they do not rely on the surrounding teeth for support, these do not require any alteration of your natural teeth structure. The adjacent teeth will remain intact and healthy and will not be exposed to the strain to support the bridge, which can weaken natural teeth eventually.
Advantages of replacing a missing tooth with dental implants and bridges
There are many benefits of replacing a missing tooth with dental implant over other options. They are:
- Looks and functions close to a natural tooth
- Replaces a single tooth without affecting or damaging the neighboring teeth.
- Anchors into the jawbone and thus has better preservation of jawbone.
- Easier to clean and maintain
- Better esthetic appearance
- Better preservation of gums. In dental bridge, the gums of the neighboring teeth can recede due to bone loss.
Steps in implant and bridge placement
- Our dental team will perform all required examinations to check the viability of the implant as a treatment option.
- You will be sedated before starting the procedure.
- The implant body, a titanium screw, is surgically inserted into your mouth. You will be given all the post-treatment measures to follow. Our dental team will suggest you for a preliminary check-up after implant placement.
- Our dental team will ask you to report to our office after 4-6 months, as the implant will take 4-6 months to fuse with the bone (osseointegration).
- If the dental implant is fully integrated, we can get impressions of your mouth to fabricate your abutment and crown/ bridge.
- Finally, we attach the implant body to the abutment and the crown/ bridge.
Single Tooth Replacement Process With Implants
Dental implants stop bone loss and healthy teeth are not damaged.
A missing tooth can be replaced by a dental implant without altering the healthy adjacent teeth. Once the implant is placed, a post is attached providing support for your final crown.
Step 1: Single tooth missing
Step 2: The implant is placed in the bone beneath the gum
Step 3: Abutment and final crown are custom made to match your existing teeth
Multiple Teeth Replacement Process with Dental Implants and Bridges
Maintain your jaw bone and gums, be proud of your smile!
If you are missing more than one tooth, dental implants may be our best treatment option. Multiple implants are placed with individual crowns or a multiple unit bridges to rejuvenate your smile.
Step 1: Missing multiple teeth
Step 2: Implants are placed in the bone beneath the gum
Step 3: Final bridge is custom made to match your existing teeth
How long does the process of implants and bridge placement take?
- Dr. Adatrow will place the implant body and wait 4-6 months for the jawbone to be fused.
- He will expose the implants from gum tissue after 4-6 months and let the gums form the correct shape around the implant.
- The doctor will take impressions and send them to an outside lab for the fabrication of abutment and crown. This might take around 3-4 weeks.
- He will then place the abutment and the crown/ bridge and connect them.
Frequently Asked Questions on Single Dental Implants and Bridges
Who can qualify for single tooth implants?
Anyone above the age of 18 that has a missing tooth is a candidate for single tooth implants. You can visit our dental office and get your consultation done to check and see whether you are a candidate for implants. Dr. Adatrow and our dental team will guide you in getting the best possible treatment. Smokers who suffer from bone loss problems may not be a good candidate for dental implants. Dr. Adatrow will provide you with professional guidance for choosing the ideal treatment.
Will each missing tooth need to be replaced?
Yes, almost all the missing teeth need to be replaced to maintain your jaw shape and structure. You have to replace your missing teeth; otherwise, the integrity of your jaw will be lost. There will be bone loss, and the adjacent teeth will start moving towards the space of the missing tooth.
Are my implants removable?
No, your implants are not removable. Just like your natural teeth, they are well anchored into your jawbone. So, you cannot remove them. This makes them functionally similar to natural teeth.
Will my implant teeth function, feel, and look like my natural tooth?
Yes, your implant teeth will mimic your natural teeth in functionality and looks. Our dental team will make sure that they match the implant teeth to your adjacent natural teeth so that no one (maybe except for another dentist) would be able to make out the difference. As implants are well anchored into the jawbone, their functionality and feel are very close to natural teeth.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental appliance to bridge the gap caused by your missing teeth. The missing tooth (pontic) is replaced by taking support from adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. As the structure of this appliance resembles a bridge, it is called a dental bridge.
With the help of CT scans and X-rays, Dr. Adatrow will know if you have adequate jawbone support. He can pinpoint where to place the dental implant. Once these things have been finalized, you and the doctor can now decide on the date of the procedure.
With the help of CT scans and X-rays, Dr. Adatrow will know if you have adequate jawbone support. He can pinpoint where to place the dental implant. Once these things have been finalized, you and the doctor can now decide on the date of the procedure.
Can I get crowns on the same day of implant placement?
With the recent advancements, it is possible to provide you with crowns immediately after dental implant placement. However, Dr. Adatrow does not recommend immediate crown placement (same-day tooth replacement) after dental implants unless totally necessary and provided; there is a minimum risk of failure. Immediate crowns can cause premature loading of implants. This would interfere with the fusion of implants to jawbone and leads to implant failure. Dr. Adatrow will assess all the factors before deciding whether same-day tooth replacement is an ideal option for you.
For the dental implants to be successful, try not to put too much force or pressure on the implant site. Do not apply too much stress while healing. Also, strictly follow your dental appointments. Follow-ups are a must!
Visiting your dentist should not stop after the surgery is done. Schedule periodical checks with Dr. Adatrow to see if any infections are hampering the healing process. He will check if the implant has fused with the surrounding bone to assess the success of the surgery.
Visiting your dentist should not stop after the surgery is done. Schedule periodical checks with Dr. Adatrow to see if any infections are hampering the healing process. He will check if the implant has fused with the surrounding bone to assess the success of the surgery.
Can I be put to sleep when undergoing dental implant surgery?
Absolutely! Since implant placement is a surgical procedure, we would recommend you get implant placement under sedation. Sedation helps in making the process less painful, decreases your anxiety, and increases the success of the treatment.
