For people with a single tooth missing or in need of replacement, a
dental implant can be an excellent option. Dental implants replace both the tooth and the root, providing a long-term, permanent fix for a lost tooth. A dentist will evaluate a patient to see if they are a good candidate for a single tooth dental implant before moving forward with surgery.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant uses a small piece of metal, most commonly titanium, to provide an anchor for the new tooth. After the root replacement has been installed and allowed to settle, the replacement tooth is affixed to the anchor. Because the root implant is set in the jaw bone, a dentist will evaluate a patient to make sure their gums are healthy enough to support the implant and ensure there is enough bone to hold the implant in place. For implants in the upper row of teeth, the dentist will also make sure the sinuses won't be affected by the implant.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a number of advantages over other methods of tooth replacement. It is commonly used as an alternative to a
bridge. Unlike a bridge, which is affixed to the neighboring teeth, an implant does not sacrifice the health of the other teeth. Bridges can cause the bone around the old tooth root to deteriorate around the empty space, but an implant fully replaces the tooth root, better preserving the overall bone health. Implants are also easier to care for than other tooth replacement options, keeping gums supported and healthy with regular brushing and flossing.
In most cases, a dentist with a general practice will only evaluate and assess whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants before referring them to a specialist. At Storts Family Dentistry, however, the same experts who help patients with routine prevention and care can undertake the implant surgery, making it convenient for patients and their dental care providers.
Our dentists and staff will help you at every step on the way to your new smile. To get started,
contact us today.
