Single Tooth Implant
Green Bay, WI
 If you lost a tooth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury, you can replace it with a single tooth implant. Dating back 50 years ago, modern-day dental implants are specially constructed to fit an individual's mouth. All things considered, a single tooth implant is easily the best option for replacing your teeth. It can restore speaking and chewing functions while also helping with your cosmetic appearance, which can greatly improve your confidence.
A Quick Crash Course to Single Tooth Implants The idea behind dental implants is to mimic the natural function of real teeth. This is done by drilling a titanium alloy screw into the jawbone, which provides support to a dental crown. Note that single tooth implants require sufficient bone mass to support the implant. Patients who don't have adequate bone mass will require a bone graft. It is common for bone loss to occur due to periodontal disease, injury, aging, and bone absorption because of missing teeth.
In most cases, the material for bone grafting comes from the patient's own bone (usually the hip, jaw, chin, or scalp) or from an animal tissue bank. It can take anywhere from three to nine months for the bone graft to fully heal. Make sure to follow your post-op instructions to heal quickly.
What is a Single Tooth Implant Made Of? Single tooth implants are made of the implant screw (often referred to as the post), an abutment that is attached to the implant, and a dental crown (usually made of ceramic to mimic natural teeth). The material of choice for tooth implants is titanium - a biocompatible metal that happens to be exceptionally sturdy.
Titanium is also lighter compared to materials like gold, making it ideal for patients. It is secure, comfortable, and can last for decades with good care. The risk of irritation or pain is extremely low. Moreover, titanium has the ability to easily bond with the bone, giving it a clear edge over other materials that often require an adhesive for a stronger attachment.
Note that while dental implants last for a long time, you may have to replace the dental crown every 10 to 15 years, depending on the wear and tear.
Benefits of a Single Tooth Implant A single tooth implant can provide a wide range of benefits for those who need them and for millions of Americans who may be missing their teeth. These benefits include:
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Greatly improving your diet by helping you chew a greater variety of foods
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Dental implants mimic natural teeth, so they will enhance your speech patterns
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Helping you support appropriate biomechanics of the jaw and head
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A single tooth implant can prevent facial sagging by stimulating healthy jawbone growth and preventing further bone loss |
Did you know that the success rate of dental implants is over 95%? Dental implant failure is extremely rare, but it has been known to occur. This is why having regular dental appointments is crucial for the success of your implant.
How Long Does it Take for a Single Tooth Implant to Heal? In general, patients should expect to make a full recovery within three to six months after surgery. Recovery is subject to how closely the patient is able to follow post-op instructions. Initial pain and discomfort should subside within a week, following which patients may be able to return to their usual diet. Make sure to consult our specialist before making any dietary changes and for monitoring your implant.
You May Have to Avoid Certain Foods After Getting Dental Implants After surgery, you will be asked to avoid the following types of foods:
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Hard foods such as candies and potato chips
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Sticky foods such as gum, cookies, and cakes that could cause the implant to become loose
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Foods laced with heavy peppers and other spices that could irritate the surgical site
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Acidic foods such as oranges and other citrus fruits
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Hot beverages such as tea and coffee |
In addition to following post-op instructions, you should also avoid smoking or chewing tobacco because they can slow the healing process. It is important to quit these habits before undergoing surgery to maximize your recovery.
What Foods Can I Eat After Getting a Single Tooth Implant? You can try incorporating the following food groups into your diet to help you recover after surgery:
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Soft fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and squash
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Soups and stews to help your body get in all the nutrients it needs without straining the new implant
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Eggs are a superfood that contain just about every nutrient you could ever need, including choline, which is difficult to obtain from other food sources. Soft-boiled eggs are a good choice.
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Yogurt and cheese because they are both high in protein and calcium, which can strengthen your enamel.
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Protein drinks
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Fruit smoothies |
Quick Maintenance Guide A single tooth implant is usually very easy to care for with regular brushing and flossing. However, you should always use a soft-bristled tooth because it can damage the enamel on your teeth and can damage your dental implant. Hard bristles on some toothbrushes can easily damage the surface of the implants, causing irreversible damage.
Avoid using regular toothpaste it can be highly abrasive. Instead, switch to a low abrasive toothpaste in order to minimize the wear and tear on your dental implants. Finally, you should floss every day in order to dislodge any food particles or plaque that may have accumulated between the teeth.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? Although every patient's case is different, the cost of a single tooth implant typically starts at $3,000 per tooth. Other expenses that you may be expected to pay include the price of dental examinations required to create a 3D image of your mouth, tooth extraction, and even bone grafts (in certain cases). Need a single tooth implant? Get in touch with our experienced specialist, Dr. Hallas, at Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry. Book an appointment to see if a single-tooth implant is ideal for you.
Call us at (920) 278-7678 today to learn more about single tooth implants and whether the procedure is ideal for you. |
GREEN BAY (920) 278-7678
