Replace Your Lost Tooth at PGA Dentistry
The health of your smile depends on many factors, including a full set of healthy teeth. While a single missing tooth may not seem as urgent as an entire arch of missing teeth, this condition can severely disrupt the balance of your smile. Dr. Jay Ajmo offers sophisticated solutions for single missing teeth, including dental implants.
To learn more about how we can replace a single missing tooth with a custom dental crown, dental implant, or dental bridge, contact our Palm Beach Gardens dentist at (561) 627-8666 today.
What Is a Single-Tooth Dental Implant?
A single-tooth dental implant consists of a metal post being surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. The post acts as a tooth root and provides a stable long-term solution to tooth loss.
Once the implant has fully integrated into the jawbone, an abutment (a small connector piece) is attached to the implant. This abutment is the base for the replacement tooth, which is usually a dental crown (a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap). The dental crown will match the color and shape of the surrounding teeth and is cemented or screwed onto the abutment.
With proper care and regular dental visits, single-tooth dental implants can last a lifetime and provide a natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Compared to other tooth replacement options, single dental implants offer improved oral health and long-term stability and are a popular choice for patients with one missing tooth, as they avoid the need for tooth extraction or altering healthy nearby teeth.
Should You Worry About A Single Missing Tooth?
Replacing a missing tooth allows speech and chewing ability to resume. It also forces the remaining teeth to stay in position, thus preventing the problems associated with drifting teeth. Except for wisdom teeth, that problematic set of third molars that erupt sometime in the late teens or early twenties, every single one of your teeth serves three vital functions:
-
Your teeth help you make many of the consonant sounds necessary for normal speech.
-
Your front teeth help with biting into foods, while your back teeth chew, or masticate food. Proper chewing is an essential initial step in the digestion process. Without it, our bodies cannot absorb all the nutrients from the food we eat.
-
When you lose a permanent tooth, your remaining teeth naturally begin to move toward the space left behind. This shifting effect can throw your teeth out of alignment, leading to worn enamel, an improper bite, and a higher risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ disorder.
Benefits of Single-Tooth Implants
Single-tooth implants offer several benefits over other tooth replacements, including:
Natural-looking appearance: Single implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, restoring your smile and confidence.
Improved chewing and speech: With a single tooth implant, you can chew and speak more effectively, improving your overall quality of life and avoiding social embarrassment.
Preservation of adjacent teeth: Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants don’t require the reduction of healthy adjacent teeth, which helps maintain the integrity of your remaining teeth.
Long-lasting and durable: With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a great investment for your oral health.
Improved oral health: Dental implants help preserve the jawbone and prevent further bone loss, which can occur after losing a tooth. They also make it easier to maintain good dental health, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Convenience and comfort: Single-tooth implants are comfortable and convenient, eliminating the need for messy adhesives and uncomfortable dentures.
Improved overall health: Missing teeth can cause a variety of health issues, including jawbone deterioration and an increased risk of gum disease. They can help prevent these issues and improve your overall health.
Single-Tooth Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure typically requires two or three appointments over several months. During the first appointment, our Palm Beach Gardens dentist will assess your oral health and plan the placement of the implant. During the second appointment, the implant gets placed in the jawbone, and a temporary crown will be placed over the implant. Once the jawbone and the implant fuse, the final porcelain crown will be attached, and you’ll have a brand-new, beautiful smile.
Although Dr. Ajmo is a regionally recognized expert in the placement and restoration of dental implants, he understands that they’re not right for every patient. You can feel confident that Dr. Ajmo will always recommend the solution that he believes will work best for your situation, and we will not pressure you to undergo a treatment that you do not need or want.
Candidates for Single-Tooth Implants
Ideal candidates for single-tooth implants include:
Patients with a single missing tooth or several missing teeth in different locations
Patients with good oral hygiene and a commitment to maintaining it
Patients with sufficient jawbone density to support the implant
Patients without any medical conditions that may affect the healing process
For those suffering from sufficient density, there are supplemental procedures available to prepare your mouth for dental implants. Procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift may be recommended. Contact our dentist to learn more about dental implants and if you’re a good candidate.
Other Single Tooth Replacement Options
Traditional Dental Bridge
A bridge consists of a replacement tooth supported by two adjacent dental crowns. To place a dental bridge, Dr. Ajmo must first prepare the adjacent teeth by removing a portion of the enamel. Crowns on both ends of the bridge are then bonded into place to suspend the bridge’s pontic over the empty tooth socket. Note that a bridge can feature more than one pontic to replace multiple lost teeth in a row.
With proper care, the average dental bridge can last many years before it may need replacing. Although it provides a reliable solution for filling gaps left by missing teeth, many patients don’t like the idea of having to place crowns on healthy teeth.
What Is the Cost of a Single Tooth Dental Implant?
The cost of a single-tooth dental implant can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the location of the dental clinic, and the materials used. On average, single dental implants cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
In most cases, insurance will cover a portion of the dental implant cost. Some practices also offer financing options to ensure you get the care you need regardless of expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How long does it take to get a single-tooth implant?
The length of time for receiving a single-tooth implant can vary, but it typically takes three to six months from start to finish. Each patient’s case will differ, but your dentist will provide you with a detailed timeline for implant placement.
-
Can single-tooth implants be used for front teeth?
Yes, single-tooth implants can be used for front teeth in the upper jaw. They provide patients with a natural-looking tooth replacement that can last them a lifetime.
-
Will single-tooth dental implants feel and function like my natural teeth?
Yes, single-tooth dental implants will feel and function like your natural teeth. They’re made to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth and are securely anchored in your jawbone, allowing for normal biting and chewing abilities.
-
Is a single tooth implant painful?
A single dental implant usually causes less discomfort than a surgical operation involving multiple implants. Patients usually experience minor discomfort and swelling for a few days after their surgical implant placement. Any pain around the implant site can be managed through cold compresses and over-the-counter medications.
Schedule Your Consultation at PGA Dentistry
Actual Patient of PGA Dentistry
If you’re considering a single-tooth dental implant surgery, consult with a licensed dental professional to determine if you’re a candidate. At our Palm Beach Gardens, FL, dental office, our dentist offers single-tooth dental implants. We’ll be happy to meet with you to discuss your smile goals to see if we can help you achieve them.
Contact our Palm Beach Gardens dentist, who is trained in implant dentistry, and schedule your appointment today at (561) 627-8666.
Complimentary Consultation
or 2nd Opinion
- Exam
- Full mouth X-rays
- Private Consultation with Doctor ($450value)
7100 Fairway Dr Ste 59,
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418- (561) 627-8666
- Monday: 8am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
- Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
- Thursday: 8am - 5pm
- Friday: 8am - 1pm
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed