Single Tooth Implant
Dental Implants are surgically implanted directly into the patient’s jawbone. This allows the implant post to remain firmly anchored in place, as the bone fuses to it over time. The implant mimics the function of a natural tooth root. Once healed, the implants are typically permanent with proper care and regular cleanings.
Traditional replacement of a single tooth using a dental implant is often completed over multiple visits:
- Consultation and planning, including initial exam, imaging of your teeth, questions about your dental and medical history, and discussion of your treatment options.
- Placement of the dental implant, a substitute for the missing natural tooth root, either with or without a built-in abutment (a connector placed on, or built into, the top of the implant) that will attach to the replacement tooth. A temporary tooth can be placed while the dental implant integrates with your natural bone to form a strong foundation for your replacement tooth. Most people return to work the next day.
- Placement of the abutment, if one wasn’t placed during the prior visit.
- Placement of a custom-made crown, or replacement tooth.
Types of Implants
Titanium Implants
Titanium implants are the most common types of dental implants because of their efficacy and durability. Titanium is a metal that is strong, lightweight, non-toxic, and corrosion resistant, perfect for dental implants.
Benefits of Titanium Implants
- Durability: Since the 1960s, titanium has been the preferred material for dental implants because of its durability and integrates well with the bone.
- Strength: Titanium is highly resistant to external forces, and implant fractures are usually rare making it a solution in a vast array of cases where the resistance of the material is crucial for longevity, with the right maintenance.
- Biocompatibility: Titanium implants are used to make dental implants very biocompatible, that means it works well within the human body & tissue. It is even capable of bonding with the surrounding bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration, being able to provide a strong base of support. Also, titanium is hypoallergenic. It is a safe material choice even for most individuals who are sensitive to metals.
- Affordable: Titanium is usually more affordable, and it is more resistant to cracks and fractures than ceramic. As a result, it can be a cost-effective solution.
- High Success Rate: Titanium dental implants have been around since the 1960s, researchers have had more than 50 years to analyze their long-term success rate. While the numbers vary from study to study, results consistently reveal that dental implants are successful. In fact, according to some research, their success rate is over 95%.
Ceramic Implants
Ceramic implants are unique & metal-free, comprised of a two-piece ceramic dental implant solution. Ceramics mark an evolution in implantology and have been popularized only a little over a decade ago. These are preferred for their natural look and metal-free composition.
Benefits of Ceramic Implants
- Esthetics: Perhaps the most distinctive yet simple difference between titanium and ceramic implants is the color. Ceramic implants are made out of a natural-looking ceramic material called Zirconia. For patients who are concerned about the potential visibility of metal (titanium), especially in the anterior region, a ceramic implant may be a reassuring solution.
- Soft-tissue-friendly: Ceramic implants are designed to support a natural soft-tissue appearance. Its white material is especially beneficial in patients with a thin mucosal biotype. Designed for excellent soft-tissue attachment and low inflammatory response.
- Low plaque: Zirconia has demonstrated low plaque affinity.
- Experience peace of mind: Ceramic implants provide proven strength for a successful start in ceramic implantology and offer greater restorative flexibility compared with one-piece or cemented ceramic implants. This is thanks to the two-piece, reversible, cement-free internal connection design.
- Long Lifespan: Engineered for primary stability and is available for a broad range of indications, from single to multiple implants. Designed to last for years to come, and they can do just that with the right maintenance and regular dental cleanings.
FAQ’s
About Single Tooth Implants
A cylindrical and/or tapered post usually made of titanium serves as a substitute for the tooth root and provides a strong and sturdy foundation for one or more replacement teeth. Your new tooth will have a similar look and feel to your real teeth.
- Long-Lasting – Dental Implants can last your lifetime (with proper dental care) and have the look of a natural tooth.
- Easy Care – Regular dental care and hygiene feel the same as with your natural teeth.
- Natural Look & Feel – Aesthetically pleasing, Dental Implants will look and feel like natural teeth.
A single-tooth implant consists of several parts:
- The implant — Made of titanium, shaped like a screw or post, is placed into the jawbone.
- The abutment — Made of titanium, gold, or porcelain, is attached to the implant. This part connects the implant to the crown.
- The crown — Made of porcelain fused to metal (PFM), all-metal, or all-porcelain. Your crown will be made to match your other teeth and will be attached to the abutment.
Both types of implants are considered safe. Both are FDA-approved and have gone through extensive testing to be allowed on the market. Titanium implants have been used for longer, and any side effects or failures are understood more thoroughly. One important note: to date there have been no documented cases of allergies or adverse reactions to the materials used in ceramic implants – an advantage for those with concerns about metal allergies.
A single dental implant provides several advantages over a dental bridge. The most common advantage is the ease of dental hygiene, as opposed to bridges that are often difficult to clean and maintain. In addition to the function and look of a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of nearby teeth.