What Is a Single Tooth Implant?

Single tooth implants are the best method of smile restoration when a patient has lost a tooth. Those who have lost teeth from old age, advanced periodontitis, tooth decay or even physical trauma are excellent candidates for single tooth implant surgery. Although this procedure is straightforward, there is still mystery surrounding what exactly a tooth implant is and how it works. Read on to discover what a single tooth implant can do for you.

What is a single tooth implant?

A single tooth implant, also known as a dental implant, is a tooth sized, tooth-shaped device used to replace a single missing tooth. To better understand exactly what a single tooth implant is, it is helpful to know what makes up a tooth implant. Implants have three separate parts: the post, the abutment and the restoration.

The post

Essentially, the post is a titanium, screw-like rod that is inserted directly into the jawbone. This is the portion of the implant that acts as artificial tooth roots, anchored in the jawbone and supporting the rest of the implant. The post is located below the gum line and is only visible with the help of an X-ray.

In a single tooth implant procedure, the post is surgically inserted into the jawbone. There, it fuses with the bone in a period of months, a process known as osseointegration. After this, the post is a permanent fixture of the mouth and can bear weight just like natural tooth roots. The post is the reason that single tooth implants are the most functional option for tooth replacement.

The abutment

This peg-like structure lies just above the post, right at the gumline. The abutment serves as a connector between the post and the restoration. An advantage to single tooth implants is the fact that they are comprised of these three different parts, so if one fails, the other parts are still intact and only one part needs to be replaced. The abutment is the important piece that makes this possible.

The restoration

The restoration refers to the visible portion of any single tooth implant, usually a crown. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are used to both restore a natural tooth and top a single tooth implant. Ceramic crowns are traditionally used, as these are the most lifelike. 

Crowns, although strong and durable, are the most likely to fail out of the three parts of a tooth implant. This is due to the fact that crowns are most often exposed to pressure and damage. When properly cared for, a ceramic crown is built to last for about 10 years before needing replacement.

Replace your missing tooth

Single tooth implants are the best method of tooth replacement. To get the completed, beautiful smile you have been dreaming of, give our office a call to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://atlantapamperedsmiles.com or call Pampered Smiles at (404) 891-9489 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.

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