Lost teeth happen for a number of reasons, whether it’s dental hygiene- or trauma-related. Dealing with the pain of a lost tooth is hard enough without having to worry about how it will affect your smile or speech. A missing tooth can also impact your chewing and cause nearby teeth to shift, opening you up for plaque and tartar build-up. When you’re talking with Dr. Renger after the loss of a tooth, be sure to ask about dental implants for single-tooth replacement.
Millions of people have benefitted from the use of dental implants to replace missing teeth. These implants have been clinically researched and tested to provide the comfort, functionality, and esthetics you need to feel confident in your smile.
Why Implants?
You could go with a traditional crown or bridge, but there are some benefits to implants that you should consider. When you get a bridge, the adjacent teeth need to be ground down to support it – even if those teeth are perfectly healthy. Rather than impeding on your remaining teeth, dental implants are made to look and feel just like your other teeth, so your smile looks complete. Implants are installed into the jawbone where the missing tooth was, so they don’t rely on your remaining teeth for support.
Additionally, the anchor that’s used to support your dental implant stimulates your bone tissue and gums while helping maintain facial structure. The implant can actually make your mouth healthier!
Dental implants are also extremely stable. They require no adhesive and instead use a small titanium screw that acts as the tooth’s root. This allows the implant to function just like a regular tooth, with no limitations. You can eat, talk, and smile the way you always have.
How do Dental Implants for Single-Tooth Replacement Work?
Installation of a dental implant can take place right in your dentist, Dr Renger’s, office. First, you will need to discuss all your options with Dr. Renger to be sure that dental implants are the right choice for you. Next, you will have a complete dental exam including an x-ray of your jaw to determine where the dental implant will be placed. Dr. Renger will also take an impression of your teeth and jaw to help formulate a plan for treatment.
When it comes time to place the implant, there are two options. In a single-stage procedure, the implant will be installed and a temporary abutment will be attached. In a two-stage procedure, after the implant is installed, it will be covered by gum tissue to let it heal. Placing the crown can take place on the same day, but it varies by person. Dr. Renger will be able to give you a better idea of when crown placement should occur.
For single-stage, the abutment will be immediately placed and an impression taken so a crown can be created to match your natural teeth. The two-stage procedure will require a second surgery for abutment placement.
After the crown has been created, it will be attached to the abutment. At this point, the new tooth will be completed and will function like your other teeth. You will have some follow-up appointments to make sure the tooth looks and feels like it should.
If your confidence is wavering after losing a tooth, be sure to talk to Dr. Renger about it at your next appointment. He can suggest treatments and assess you for dental implants to replace your tooth and keep your smile shining.