Single Tooth Replacement Options

‍Your Options for Single Tooth Replacement

Missing a tooth can significantly impact your overall oral health and self-confidence. But don't worry, modern dentistry offers a variety of effective solutions. At our dental implant office, we provide a range of options to replace a single missing tooth, ensuring you regain that confident smile. In this article, we’ll explore these solutions in detail, highlighting dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures.

Fixed Dental Bridges

A fixed dental bridge is another common solution for replacing a single missing tooth. A bridge consists of two dental crowns positioned on the adjacent teeth (known as abutment teeth) with a false tooth (pontic) in between.

While bridges are a quicker and less invasive procedure than dental implants, they require the reshaping of the abutment teeth. This process might not be ideal for everyone, especially if those teeth are healthy and intact. Additionally, bridges do not prevent bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures can also be used to replace a single missing tooth. They consist of a false tooth attached to a plastic base that mimics the color of your gums. The denture is held in place by a metal framework that clasps onto the adjacent teeth.

While being the most cost-effective option, partial dentures do have some drawbacks. They provide less stability compared to dental implants and bridges and can affect speech and eating. Also, like bridges, they don't protect against bone loss in the jaw.

The Healthiest Solution for Missing Teeth

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in implant dentistry and designing treatment plans for restorative dental care. The Florida Dental Implant Institute has an office in Naples Florida to help patients replace missing teeth and regain self-esteem through healthier smiles.

Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for one or more missing teeth because they are healthy, permanent, versatile, and provide the same appearance and function as natural teeth. A single tooth replacement uses a dental implant, which consists of an implant post, a connecting abutment, and a crown to replace a missing or failing tooth anywhere in the mouth. We can place as many dental implants as you need to completely restore your smile. If you have many missing or failing teeth, you may be a candidate for full-arch restoration. This life-changing procedure allows you to walk out of our office with a brand new, permanent, and fully functioning smile by using dental implants to secure a fixed denture.

Millions of people in the US are missing at least one adult tooth, and many of them have turned to dental implants. With a high success rate, long-term results, and the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about uncomfortable moving parts, it’s clear that dental implants are the right choice for replacing missing teeth.

Replace a Missing Tooth with Single Implants

Many dental professionals recommend replacing a missing tooth as soon as possible. A tooth’s root stimulates the jaw bone underneath, which keeps it healthy. When a missing adult tooth is left untreated, the jaw bone does not receive the stimulation it needs to remain strong. Removable partial dentures or dental bridges cosmetically restore your smile, but do not preserve the jaw bone. Over time, the jaw will atrophy and cause facial features to sag or nearby teeth to shift out of position.

By replacing a single missing tooth with a single implant, you experience many benefits, including:‍

• Prevent the jaw bone from deteriorating and keep it strong
• Prevent existing from shifting into the empty space
• Prevent facial features from sagging and preserve your facial structure
• Prevent bite problems and misalignment
• Enjoy a complete smile that you can be proud of
• Eat the foods you want without worrying about discomfort or moving parts
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Same Day Dental Implants

A tooth that is badly damaged, infected, or decayed may need to be extracted to protect your other teeth and gums. Removing damaged teeth reduces the risk of periodontal disease or infection from spreading to neighboring healthy teeth and gum tissues. When a tooth is removed, you can choose to immediately replace it with a same-day dental implant. For this treatment, your oral surgeon will extract the tooth and place the implant post into the empty tooth socket at the same appointment, provided you have enough bone to support it. If your jaw bone is not strong enough to support the implant, we can place a bone graft to regrow bone and when you are ready, we can place the implant post.

Immediate implants reduce the total number of visits needed to replace the missing tooth. Even if you require a bone graft, we can place the graft on the same day as the extraction to keep your appointments to a minimum while improving your oral health. Restoring your smile is always an investment worth making, and our team of professional oral surgeons at Carolinas Center for Dental Implants wants to help.

Can I get a dental implant years after an extraction?

Dental implants do not have an age limit or time restrictions. As long as there is enough jaw bone to support it, you can receive a dental implant at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since an extraction. If you are undergoing a tooth extraction and do not plan on immediately replacing the tooth, but want to preserve the gums and surrounding bone until you do, you can undergo a socket preservation. This type of bone grafting procedure uses grafting material to preserve the size and shape of the empty tooth socket so that when you restore the missing tooth in the future, there is adequate space and bone.

We Are Here For You

Choosing the right option to replace your missing tooth largely depends on your individual circumstances, including your oral health, budget, and personal preferences. It's important to discuss these options with your dentist to find the solution that best fits your needs.

At our office, we're dedicated to helping you make an informed decision about your oral health. We'll walk you through these options, answer any questions you may have, and provide expert advice based on your unique situation. Remember, our main goal is to ensure that you regain your smile and confidence, so don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us today.

Our dental implant dentists can help you explore your tooth replacement options so you can smile with confidence. To schedule your appointment with one of our Naples dentists, call 239-230-2033.

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