Single Tooth Replacement in Scottsdale, AZ
Single Tooth Missing
If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown may replace it. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and the root.
Benefits of a tooth colored crown on top of an implant:
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in the bone, and attached to a crown above the gums. An implant is the closest thing to having a real tooth again!
Implant procedure step by step:
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
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1: Before the procedure
The dentist makes a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure. |
2: Installing the implant
The implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth can be provided that allows you eat and function like normal almost immediately. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken. |
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3: Attaching the new crown
The final step is the placement of the permanent crown on top of the implant. The new tooth is installed for life. No additional treatment is needed. |
4: End result
You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. |
While Dr. Blazer feels that implants are the best way to replace single missing teeth, they may not work in every situation. Here are alternatives to implants:
Tooth-supported fixed bridge
A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone loss in the area of the missing tooth, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge.
Removable partial denture
A partial denture is just that, a denture which replaces only some of your teeth. It is removable, and is an economical way to replace multiple missing teeth. However, it is not the best choice for replacement of a single tooth, as it is a large prosthesis in your mouth, and can affect speech and chewing. A removable partial denture is typically made of plastic and metal–and will be more visible as something artificial in your mouth, as compared to an implant. For these reasons, most patients choose an implant over a removable partial to replace a single missing tooth.
Resin-bonded bridge
This alternative has some advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of tooth colored materials, it gives a nice esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren't affected. It is less popular, because it is not as strong or as permanent, and can sometimes not stay bonded to the teeth well. It is often used for a few years for our teenage patients who need implants, but cannot have them until they are completely done growing.