Tooth loss is a common dental concern that most patients will face at some point in time. Replacing a missing tooth is essential to restoring and maintaining your dental health. Even just one missing tooth can throw off the appearance and functionality of your entire smile. Our office specializes in implant dentistry and can help patients restore their teeth.
We are your local dental implant experts at Elevate Dental Implant Center in Hanover, Maryland. Our doctors have helped many patients replace a missing tooth with our single-tooth dental implants. We are excited about the opportunity to help you restore your smile following tooth loss.
Schedule an appointment today and start your journey toward your dream smile.
Why should I replace a missing tooth?
A missing tooth causes more than just cosmetic concerns. When you are missing a tooth, your remaining dental structures are at an increased risk for further dental damage. This is because your teeth, gums, and jawbone were designed to work together when performing daily tasks such as chewing or speaking.
A missing tooth creates new pressure points within your smile as your other teeth have to compensate for the loss. Missing teeth also increase the risk of other teeth shifting out of position to fill open gaps. These teeth will wear down faster and are at a higher risk of breaking under the extra pressure that’s present.
This also creates tension in your jawbone and facial muscles, putting you at risk of developing a TMJ disorder. Your jaw joint doesn’t track properly, and the disc inside the joint wears down or is misplaced. Symptoms include your jaw popping or clicking and pain throughout the jaw and face. You may also have trouble opening and closing your jaw properly. It may remain stuck in a certain position and may cause chronic headaches.
Missing teeth also create new gaps in your smile for food residue and bacteria to hide behind, increasing your risk for gum disease development and tooth decay. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and put patients at risk of infection spreading to the bloodstream, causing heart problems. It’s important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible following tooth loss to restore the look, feel, and function of your natural smile.
What is a single tooth dental implant?
While many patients will pursue dental implants when they need to replace several teeth or to support a set of dentures, a single tooth dental implant is simply for replacing one missing tooth. With a single-tooth dental implant, we can help patients who have experienced severe tooth decay, dental damage, or even a knocked-out tooth restore their smile after losing a permanent tooth.
If you are missing only one tooth, this is a great option because it allows us to replace the missing tooth without utilizing the support of your surrounding teeth, like with a dental bridge, and potentially damaging them with unnecessary enamel removal.
A single tooth dental implant gives you all the benefits of implant dentistry while also allowing you to discreetly restore your smile with a dental restoration that will blend in seamlessly with your remaining dental structures.
Single Tooth Dental Implant FAQs
Do you have further questions about single-tooth dental implants? Continue reading to find answers to questions commonly asked in our office.
How long do single tooth implants last?
With regular brushing and dental cleanings, your implant screw can last a lifetime. Crowns may last up to 15 years before needing replacing. If patients maintain a good oral care routine, crowns can remain healthy and last years. We recommend scheduling regular oral exams to ensure your oral health is checked.
Do single tooth implants hurt?
Single implant surgery is generally less painful than multiple implant surgery. Patients may experience discomfort for about ten days after the procedure, but discomfort may go away after 2-3 days, depending on the number of teeth included in the implant.
How do you care for a single dental implant?
The best way to care for your implant is to clean and brush your teeth at least twice daily. Patients should pay special attention to their implants when brushing and be sure to brush around and under them.
Do gums grow back around implants?
As your gums heal after dental implant surgery, they will grow around the implant, similar to how they would around your natural teeth. To ensure that your gums don’t cover your dental implant while you’re healing and recovering, we will schedule checkups to track their progress.