Single-Tooth Implants
Single-Tooth Implants: When Are They Appropriate And How Do They Work?

People with more than one missing tooth can use the single-tooth implants. Your dentist will surgically place the implant on an opening made on your jawbone. Once the implant attaches itself onto the bone successfully, it starts serving as the tooth root for the crown that replaces your natural tooth.
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How Do Single-tooth Implants Work?
Teeth that have been restored using the single-tooth implant procedure have the following parts.
The Implant
Basically, the implant is usually made of titanium. It’s placed in either the lower or upper jawbone depending on the location of your missing tooth or teeth.
The Restoration
This part is also known as a crown and looks like a real tooth. It’s made of porcelain that has been fused with a metal alloy. The dentist will cement or screw the crown to the abutment. In a case where the crown is screwed, the holes made by the screws are covered using a restorative material such as composite.
The Single-tooth Implant Process
The Abutment
The abutment can be made of various materials such as porcelain, titanium, or gold. Your dentist will use screws to attach the abutment to the implant. It connects the crown to the implant (which serves as the root for the artificial tooth).
When using the traditional approach to dental implants surgery, the duration taken to complete the implant process depends on a number of factors including the condition of your jaw bone and the number of teeth you need replaced. Note that it can take about five months for the single-tooth implant process to be completed on your lower jaw and 6 months for your upper jaw. However, if your bone needs to be built up first, the entire process can last for a year or more. Your dentist can also place both the implant and the healing caps at the same time. Thus, if you opt for mini implants, the doctor can place the implant and the healing caps as well as the crown, the denture or bridge during the same visit.
WILL DENTAL IMPLANTS LOOK LIKE THE NATURAL TEETH?
Traditional Approaches
It’s worth noting that the traditional approach to single-tooth implant surgery requires two procedures with 3 to 6 months between the two procedures. Your dentist will make a small incision in the gum where the implant will be installed during the first procedure. A hole is also drilled in your jaw bone, the implant placed on this hole, and the incision is closed, perhaps by stitching.
Recovery
The dentist will allow you 3 to 6 months to heal before performing the second procedure. The second procedure requires your dentist to make a new incision that exposes the implant. The dentist will then screw a collar, which is also known as a healing cap on top of the implant. This will help the surrounding gum to heal as expected. Once the incision is fully healed, the healing cap is eliminated. The dentist will then screw the abutment into the implant to support the crown.Note that single-tooth implants will look like the natural teeth. However, for some clients, it’s hard to make the implant look like their natural teeth.
We are a Family-Friendly Practice
At our dental office, we provide family dentistry services. Toronto and Barrie dentist, Dr. Adam Chapnick, works with every child to build trust and comfort throughout the entire dental visit process.
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