Chad M. Boustany D.D.S., M.S. |
Single Tooth ImplantThe loss of a single tooth might not seem like a significant problem, particularly if you lose a tooth near the back of your mouth. After all, if it cannot be seen, what difference does it make? The truth is that losing even just one tooth can have a major impact on your oral health and the functions of your mouth. Replacing your missing tooth, no matter what its location, is essential. Revive Dental and Implant Center can improve your oral health and the functions of your mouth with a single tooth replacement. Why is Replacing a Single Tooth Important?If you lose a front tooth, your smile is greatly affected, and you may begin to feel self-conscious. This is not the only thing that happens, however. Even at the back of the mouth, several issues arise. You have a harder time chewing. Your speech may be affected. The surrounding teeth may also begin to shift into the space. As this happens, your bite is changed, which can cause many oral health problems. Shifting teeth can also affect your smile. Frequently asked questions about dental implants. The Traditional TreatmentFor a long time, the only choice for replacing a single tooth was with what is known as s bridge. This treatment uses a false tooth that is secured into place with two crowns. One type of bridge is called an anterior bridge. The crowns function as anchors and secure the restoration onto your healthy teeth. One form of crowns are called anterior crowns. You need two appointments to get a bridge. Your first one is used to remove some of the enamel from the teeth that will hold the bridge in place. This is called preparing the teeth, and it is necessary to make sure that the crowns fit properly, and your bridge looks completely natural. We then take a dental impression and provide you with a temporary bridge. Once your impression is taken, we send it off to the lab. There, your custom restoration is made. It may take a couple of weeks. The temporary bridge we give you helps to protect your teeth and mouth during this time. When we get the bridge back, you will have your second appointment. At your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed. We then check to make sure that your final bridge fits properly and looks completely natural. Finally, we bond the crowns onto their respective teeth. A bridge gives you back your smile as well as the functions of your missing tooth. It also helps to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting. However, because it cannot stop bone loss in your jaw, you may need to get a new one every few years. A Single Tooth ImplantA single tooth implant is an alternative to the bridge. With this treatment, we surgically implant a titanium post into your jawbone. To do this, we do need to drill a hole into the bone. Once we place the post, your surgical incision is stitched closed. As the jaw heals, new bone grows. This bone attaches to the post, fixing it securely within the jaw. In a way, the post is like a new root that is then used to support your new tooth and hold it securely in place. The process for getting a single tooth implant is much more involved than it is for getting a bridge. In addition to surgery, an implant does require several weeks for complete healing. However, with this solution, you regain stimulation to your jawbone in addition to restoring the functions of your missing tooth and improvement in your oral health. This stimulation helps to put a stop to the bone loss in your jaw. This means the bone does not change shape, and the likelihood you will need to have the actual implant changed is incredibly small. No matter what the location of your missing tooth in your jaw, it is essential to replace it as soon as possible. We offer same-day implants which, as the name implies, are made in our office and fitted on your tooth all in one visit! With our in-house laboratory we are able to place your implant all in one day. That means no waiting period, you get to walk out in one day with your new smile. Call (304) 467-4265 or click to schedule an appointment now and find out what option is right for you. |
Office hoursMon-Thurs: 8am to 5pm Friday: Closed |