Dental Implants - Single Tooth Replacement
Dr. Furber – 31 Dec 2009

The loss of a tooth can have significant negative impact on a person in terms of dental health as well as self-esteem, cosmetic appearance and smiling. But thanks to new, high-tech dental implant procedures (which incorporate special technology to mimic the structural benefits of an actual tooth root) today’s options for patients who have lost a single tooth are now very encouraging and successful.

Before the invention of dental implants, many people lived with an unsightly gap when tooth loss was experienced. While this created cosmetic issues, it also had a more serious side effect of potential bone loss and a heightened risk of periodontal disease and other complications.

The dentist could install a bridge. But bridges to replace just one tooth are installed in a way that first requires grinding down adjacent teeth and then spanning the gap with a fixed bridge that is cemented into place arching over the missing tooth area and the adjacent crowns. Not only did the preparation work do damage to the adjacent and otherwise healthy teeth, but it also put extra weight and pressure on them that could have bad, unexpected repercussions in the future.

In contrast, a dental implant leaves adjacent teeth in their healthy state without pressure being applied to them. The gap is filled with a natural-looking and feeling synthetic tooth that provides a strong root which prevents bone loss, damage to other teeth and gives exceptional strength and stability for biting, grinding and chewing. The implant also prevents any potential facial disfiguration resulting from bone loss.

Although the outcome is sophisticated and has a great track record for lasting a lifetime, the actual process of getting a dental implant procedure done by your dentist is relatively simple and can be completed in a short period of time.
To start the implant procedure, the dentist drills a tiny hole into the jawbone that supported the missing tooth. Then a tiny titanium screw (the implant) is thread into place. Once the implant is solidly installed, a synthetic crown is created to look like a real tooth (matching the color of the other teeth) and placed over the top. The end result is a new crown that looks and works like the old tooth that was lost. It typically takes 16 to 18 weeks for the periodontal tissues and ligaments surrounding the implant to heal and ensure a strong grip around the implant.

Dental implant technology is superior to any other tooth replacement or restoration. It most closely resembles real teeth and has similar or identical performance when properly done. It is foreseeable that in the future most missing teeth will be replaced by dental implants.

Missing teeth and improperly fitting dentures can be a horrible, life-ruining situation for some, as their ability to eat and speak easily and comfortably can be severely impaired. The situation can get so bad that one can only eat soups and not solid foods at all, as they are unable to chew. With dental implant technology, finally there is hope for people with missing teeth to return to normal eating habits.