1011 E Prescott Rd
Salina, KS 67401
DENTAL SERVICES
Single Tooth Implant
Missing A Single Tooth?
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
In this case, a so-called one-piece implant is used. This means that all components are installed as a single unit, resulting in immediately full functioning teeth, shorter treatment time and minimized pain.
The Benefits of Single Tooth Implants
Single tooth implants provide a tooth replacement solution with immediate benefits when the treatment is completed. Benefits include:
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Immediately functioning teeth
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Excellent esthetic result
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Life long, stable solution
Step-By-Step Guide to Single Tooth Implant Treatment
The course of treatment described below for single tooth implants is one of several options available. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Moeller, board-certified periodontist and dental implant specialist in Salina, Kansas, to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
Before the Procedure
Prior to the treatment, Dr. Moeller performs a thorough first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.
Installing the Implant
The implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you to 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.
Attaching the New Crown
The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth. The new tooth is installed for life and should fit and function just like a natural tooth. To care for your new dental implant, simply maintain proper oral and dental hygiene, visit your dentist regularly and enjoy the outstanding result of a healthy, confident smile. Unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Moeller or your dentist, no additional treatment is needed.
Alternatives to An All-Ceramic Crown on Implant
Tooth replacement solutions should always be personalized to the needs of the patient. Below are some alternatives to single tooth implants that may be discussed with you or recommended by Dr. Moeller as possible treatment options.
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 resorbtion in the edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge.
Removable Partial Denture
This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist: adjacent teeth aren't affected. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap.
Resin-Bonded Bridge
This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, it gives a high esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren't affected. But it is not very permanent. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off – probably after just a couple of years – and will then have to be reinstalled.
