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Can there be an implant for a single tooth? Read to know when it is applicable.
Implants are one of the common ways of correcting tooth or bone loss in the mouth. Dental implants are used to replace teeth which have fallen off due to different reasons. An implant entails a minor surgery to place an artificial tooth which thereafter integrates to function just like a natural tooth. Single tooth implants are applicable where the patient is missing one or more teeth.
The dentist makes an opening in the jawbone where the implant is placed. After the implant integrates with the bone, it acts as the root for a crown which will replace your missing tooth. The crown is shaped like a natural tooth and fully covers the part where a natural tooth fell off from.
However, for the procedure to work, enough bone jaw is required to hold the implant and support it in place. If the jawbone is not enough it can be added through a process known as bone grafting. The natural teeth around the implant must be in good health for the implant to work effectively. When teeth implants are fixed in one’s mouth they may take some time to fully fuse with the surrounding tissues.
How It Works
An implant which replaces a natural tooth consists of the following parts-
- The implant made of Titanium and is placed in either the upper or lower jawbone.
- The abutment is either made of porcelain, gold or titanium. It is attached to the implant by a screw. The screw facilitates fixation of the crown shaped tooth which replaces the natural tooth.
- The restoration is the upper crown-shaped part that resembles a natural tooth. The part is usually made of porcelain.
The Implant Process
Also, you need to consider the dental implants cost before choosing the best dental clinic. The time between the implant placing and recovery process depends on a number of factors. Generally, the recovery process may take six months for the implant to be fully functional.
Consultation
This is the initial stage where you visit your dentist and agree on the type of implant procedure to take place. Your dental history will indeed be considered when identifying the best implant procedure. X-ray photos will also be taken by the dentist to ascertain the state of the jawbones.
First Surgery
This will involve the placement of the implant in the jawbone through a minor surgical operation. A root form implant is surgically placed to serve as the root for the tooth implant.
Second Surgery
As soon as the implants have fused with the jawbone, the second surgery can then be scheduled which is simple and easy. An incision is made on the gum to expose the top of the implants initially fixed.
Permanent Implant Placement
The permanent crown is mostly created from a model of your previous tooth for fixing. This is less of a surgical procedure since it is just fixed on top of the abutment. Special care should be taken when caring for your dental implants. Always follow the dentist’s prescription to be safe.