Benefits of Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Most people lose at least one tooth before they reach their senior years. Many may consider this to be a cosmetic concern but failing to replace a missing tooth can result in a multitude of problems. Patients who have undergone a recent extraction or tooth loss have the option of getting a single-tooth dental implant to restore proper mouth function.

Your Mouth After Losing a Tooth

Our teeth do more than just help us chew and speak properly, they serve several important functions. A tooth root stimulates the jawbone and keeps it from deteriorating. When the root is missing, the bone will eventually break down and weaken. Patients with one or more missing teeth are at high risk for gum disease, tooth decay, bone loss, facial deformities, and malocclusion. Dentures can help prevent some of these conditions, but sometimes a removable device is not enough.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants have become one of the most popular tooth replacement methods in recent years. The titanium post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone and serves as a prosthetic root. Attached to the exposed part of the post is the replacement tooth or crown. A dental crown is a custom-made to match the shape and color of the patients existing natural teeth.

Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Since not everyone is a good candidate for single-tooth dental implants, the initial screening process is very thorough. It is necessary to review a patient’s medical and dental history and closely examine the gums for signs of serious oral health concerns.

The Procedure and Results

Inserting a single-tooth implant takes about an hour to complete. During that time, the post is surgically anchored into the jawbone. Once the treated area has healed and bone has formed around the post, a dental crown is attached to the end of the implant and the job is done.

With proper post-treatment, the implant should serve the patient well for life. The crown may need to be replaced after 15 years or more. Thanks to this advanced dental technology, patients with single-tooth implants can speak, eat and smile with confidence.

If you have a scheduled tooth extraction or are missing one or more teeth, consider tooth replacement with a single-tooth dental implant at the Tamborello Dentistry in Magnolia, TX. We are proud to serve patients in the Tomball, The Woodlands, Conroe, and surrounding cities in Texas.