Dental implants are one of the best options for replacing a single missing tooth. Implants are made of two parts – a small titanium post that is inserted to replace the natural roots of the tooth, and a custom-made crown. Here’s what to know about single tooth implants and how our team at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics can help.
What Problems Are Caused By a Missing Tooth?
Missing teeth (even a single one) can cause many compounding problems. These can include joint pain, grinding, clenching, shifting, difficulty removing plaque and bacteria, and bone loss in the jaw.
Bone Loss
Normally, when you chew, your teeth transmit chewing forces through the roots and stimulate the jawbone. This keeps the bone healthy. When a tooth is missing, the bone no longer has this stimulation and begins to shrink, along with the gums.
Shifting
A gap in your teeth can change the way your teeth bite down and the force they experience when chewing. If a gap is present, the neighboring teeth can begin to shift and extrude from the socket, causing many other problems.
Difficulty Cleaning Teeth
When your teeth begin to shift because of a gap, it can create places around the teeth that are difficult to clean. This can allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate, causing decay and periodontal disease.
Grinding and Clenching
Changes in your bite because of a missing tooth can upset the chewing forces on your remaining teeth. This can cause grinding and clenching, possibly leading to problems in the jaw joint such as TMJ.
Single Tooth Implant Diagnosis and Treatment
The single tooth implant process begins with a thorough examination by our team. This examination will include your medical history so we can create a complete picture of your oral health. We will check the health of your jaw and surrounding tissues, which may include x-rays or scans. Then, an impression and bite registration will be taken to get an accurate model of your mouth. Once we have the above information, we will discuss whether a single tooth implant is best for you.
Dental implants require a series of visits that will include evaluation, implantation, and fabrication of your new crown. Although the process may have multiple steps, dental implants are very long-lasting and can be a valuable step in maintaining good oral health.
The Benefits of a Single Tooth Implant
The biggest benefit of a single tooth implant is that it replaces the natural missing tooth. Because it is anchored into the jawbone, it functions just like a natural tooth when you talk or chew. The custom crown is even made to blend in with your natural smile so it’s undetectable. Finally, dental implants can keep your smile healthy by preventing shifting, bone loss, jaw problems, and decay.
Schedule a Consultation
At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we can help you learn more about your options with tooth implants during an appointment. To meet with our team, contact us online or call our Reno, NV office.