Are you missing a single tooth, or do you have congenitally missing teeth? Are you an adult with a baby tooth that never fell out? Do you have an unaesthetic bridge? These are all problems in which the best treatment is a single tooth implant without sacrificing adjacent teeth for a bridge.
Thousands of patients in the US have congenitally missing teeth, and millions more have missing teeth due to decay, gum disease, or trauma. The placement of single-tooth implants can meet the functional and esthetic needs of individuals with missing teeth.
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Traditionally, dentists would replace a single missing tooth with a three-unit “bridge” permanently cemented onto two adjacent teeth. However, this procedure sacrifices the adjoining tooth structure to make room for the metal/porcelain superstructure – also, only 50% of dental bridges last just ten years due to fracture, recurrent decay, or periodontal problems.
Today’s dentistry offers dental implants as an option to fill the space and replace the missing tooth. We can conserve all tooth structures on the adjacent teeth when the implant is placed in the missing space. Implants and their implant crowns have a much higher success rate than traditional fixed bridges – success rates of up to 95% for most cases.
Untreated tooth loss often leads to several more complex conditions, such as altered soft tissue contour, bone resorption, and changes in speech patterns. It is because of these complex conditions as to why it is such an important problem to fix.
The teeth behind the missing space will tilt forward, closing the bite, and the teeth will become off-angle. The teeth below will super-erupt into the space. All of these are not good for the individual wanting long-term oral health.
Missing teeth can overload or create additional stress on adjacent dentition, leading to fractures and premature tooth loss of otherwise healthy teeth. It is important to have the missing teeth replaced and ensure proper oral functions. The advantages include the following:
Initial consultation with Dr. Damon or Dr. Mohr is needed to discuss expectations if additional treatment like bone grafting or orthodontics is required. Dr. Damon or Dr. Mohr and the team will take a complete set of digital radiographs, including Panoramic x-ray or CBCT (digital 3-D Cone Beam) and study models. We will discuss all aspects of the surgery and determine if you will require IV sedation or just local anesthesia.
Once the proper treatment plan has been achieved, the surgery will be scheduled. Most single-unit implant surgeries are done in under an hour. You will be able to go to work the next day with instructions to execute extra care and perform a daily oral routine to ensure positive oral flora and avoid any possibility of infections.
The implant typically needs to fuse to the bone for 4-6 months. Then the patient is brought back into the office for exposure of the implant head and a final torque check. This is important so that if early failure exists, it will be detected, and proper treatment to be commenced. In this case, a healing abutment is placed, and the gum begins to form over the next three weeks if all is well. Then a final impression is taken, which will be sent to the lab so the abutment and crown can be made.
The healing process typically takes several months. Once it is completed, the permanent restoration is fabricated and placed over the implant. Dr. Damon or Dr. Mohr will choose the best type of restoration for your implant.
Commonly in the anterior esthetic zone, he will put a custom zirconia abutment with a LAVA all-ceramic crown. In posterior regions where the load increases, we usually place titanium abutments with full zirconia implant crowns. The functionality and overall esthetics of the smile are always addressed when deciding on the type of implants and final restorations.
When considering single-tooth implants, our patients are encouraged to ask detailed questions and become educated about the entire process. We understand that knowledge of the procedure helps put you at ease, and we find patient education critical.
Most patients are candidates. They can improve their smile and functionality of the mouth with minimal discomfort during the treatment. Contact the Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo of Amarillo today to schedule your initial evaluation and determine if you qualify for implant therapy.
We are one of the top-rated and the only true dental implant center in Amarillo. Call our office today to learn more about what our specialists can do for you with implant dentistry. We look forward to meeting you!
Dr. Damon’s vast experience in specialized dentistry & his impressionable chairside manner has given him an excellent reputation, and he is trusted by many in the Amarillo area.
As a specialized implant center, our experts can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. However, we offer a wide variety of dental services to cater to you and your family’s every dental need. In addition, our unique approach to patient care has allowed us to form lasting relationships for years to come. Call us today to schedule.
Monday: 8:30am–12pm, 1:30–5pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–12pm, 1–4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–12pm, 1:30–5pm
Thursday: 8:30am–12pm, 1–4pm
Friday: 8:30am–12pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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