What Are Single Tooth Implants & Bridges?
Single tooth implants and bridges are an excellent solution for repairing damaged or missing teeth in specific areas.
Benefits include:
- Natural appearance: Seamlessly blends with your natural teeth.
- Solid, natural chewing: Restores full functionality for comfortable eating.
- Attached securely and permanently: Provides lasting stability.
- Reduces bone loss: Helps maintain bone density after tooth loss.
- Preserves surrounding teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, single tooth implants don't require altering nearby teeth.
How It Works
A dental implant is a titanium screw that acts as the foundation for replacing a missing tooth or multiple teeth. It consists of three key components:
- Implant Post (or Body): This is the main foundation, placed into the jawbone, and acts as an anchor for the replacement tooth.
- Abutment: This piece connects the implant post to the crown or bridge, ensuring stability.
- Crown (or Implant Bridge): The visible portion of the implant, which is placed on top of the abutment. It can be a single crown or an implant bridge if multiple teeth are being replaced.
Dental Implant Timeline
The process typically takes 5-6 months from start to finish.
1
Place the implant body and wait 4 months for it to integrate with the jawbone.
2
Uncover the implants and allow the gums to shape properly for 2 weeks.
3
Take impressions and send them to an external lab for the fabrication of the abutment and crown, which typically takes 3-4 weeks.
4
Place the abutment and crown on the implant, completing the restoration process.
