What should you do if you lose one tooth?

If the worst comes to worst and you realize that your missing tooth is affecting your smile and self-confidence, you will need to replace it. The gaps between your teeth can cause oral complications affecting the other surrounding teeth.

Replacing the missing teeth helps restore your smile and protects the jaws and teeth from further damage. Dental implants are one of the best cosmetic procedures for caring for missing teeth. In addition, they are the most permanent prostheses. It consists of a metal post implanted on your jawbone to serve as a root for an artificial one like a crown. Dental implants generally last for years, making them a long-term health investment.

Can I implant a single tooth?

Yes, you can implant a single tooth. A dental implant can restore a single missing tooth. First, the dentist will surgically place the implant in your bone. Once the implant fuses your jawbone, it will serve as the new root. A crown will also be attached to the implant to replace the missing tooth.

To qualify as a candidate for dental implants, you have to have a strong jawbone that can support the implant. In addition, your nearby teeth and surrounding tissue should be in good health. If you do not have enough bone to support the implant, the additional bone has to be added through bone grafting.

Your dentist will first conduct a review of your medical history and also conduct a physical examination. This is because medical conditions may eliminate a candidate for dental implants; this includes liver disease, diabetes, or a severe bleeding disorder.

How long does a single tooth implant take?

The whole process of getting a single tooth implant can take months, but the result is worth it. If your dentist establishes that your blood is strong enough to support the implant, the first step will be borne grafting. This involves taking a borne from another source and adding it to your jaw to make it stronger. In this case, your jaw will need at least 4-12 months to be healthy before getting the dental implant.

Here are the steps that are involved during the implant procedure. They include:

• Implant Placement

An implant procedure requires oral surgery, thus generally using anesthesia. Your dentist will cut into your gum line to expose your bone. Holes are then drilled to your jawbone, where the implant meat will be placed.

After this procedure, you will still have the gap where the crown has to be placed. Therefore, your dentist will also have a partial tooth replacement option while you wait for the dental cap.

• Placing the abutment.

Once the metal implant is properly used with your jawbone, your dentist will then place healing. This will help your gum tissuesheal properly, and it takes at least two weeks. After this, the crown is removed, and the abutment is screwed to the implant. Finally, your dentist will place a temporary crown while your gums heal after the abutment placement.

• Getting a crown.

This is the last step of dental implant placement, and your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and create a dental crown. This will either be screwed or cemented to the abutment t secure it permanently in place.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, each single-tooth implant procedure differs. Therefore, some of these steps may be amalgamated depending on your situation.

What are the Possible Complications?

There is a possibility of an implant failing for various reasons, and one is that an infection can develop rarely or if the bite has not been adequately adjusted. In addition, grinding or clenching your teeth can also put pressure on your dental implant. This can lead to bone loss or cause the implant to fail or break.

When dental implants replace lower teeth, there is a risk of a nerve or jawbone being injured, thus causing tingling and numbness. There is also a risk of a sinus problem, where a dental implant placed on your upper jaw protrudes into your sinus cavities. However, these risks are not so common.

Implants may not be the simplest procedure, but they take time to be secure and healthy. Therefore, you need to take care of them properly. If you have questions, you can talk to your dentist at All Care Dentalwhen you want a tooth replacement in Dallas, TX.