Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Single-Tooth Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

If you have a single gap left behind by a lost tooth, a single-tooth dental implant offers a long-lasting, natural-looking restorative solution.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a replacement solution for those who suffer from missing teeth.

If you have missing teeth, normal activities such as eating, chatting and sometimes smiling can cause you discomfort.

Treating missing teeth issues sooner rather than later is recommended in order to avoid unnecessary pain and long-term damage to the surrounding teeth.

Implants are usually made from titanium, a highly durable material that integrates well with the mouth and jaw. Ensuring that the implant heals quickly, has a long lifespan and does not cause irritation or discomfort.

The screw is fixed into the jaw, which acts as an artificial tooth root and keeps the implant in place.

The titanium-based screw physically integrates with the jaw bone, meaning it is securely attached and there is no likelihood of movement, unlike standard dentures.

If I have a missing tooth do I need an implant?

Whether or not you replace your missing tooth is up to you.

Since gaps in the teeth can often be unsightly, you may want to replace the tooth for aesthetic reasons – we know that an unattractive smile can greatly impact your confidence, self-esteem and quality of life.

However, there are of course practical reasons for getting a dental implant:

• Sometimes if you lose a tooth on one side of the mouth it makes it difficult to chew normally so you can’t enjoy the foods you previously loved.
• Implants prevent the movement of the remaining teeth.
• Your teeth may realign and drift into the empty gap of your missing tooth, which can result in an uneven, squint smile.
• The implant will also prevent opposing teeth from overgrowing.
• Restores the functioning of missing teeth and prevents bone loss.
• Untreated missing teeth puts you at risk of periodontitis.
• The roots of your teeth are responsible for strengthening the jaw bone when a tooth is missing the bone around the missing tooth may disintegrate. Having dental implants will prevent this from happening.

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Who are dental implants suitable for?

Implants provide an optimal solution for missing teeth for all age groups. Dental implants may be used as soon as jaw growth is complete.

Teeth loss can be a result of decay, infection or injury and can impact not only the aesthetic aspect of your smile but also the general functioning of your teeth.

Dental implants are the standard, go-to option for straight forward missing teeth scenarios.

If you are missing multiple teeth, we may recommend All-on-Four, and if you are lacking in bone tissue, we may recommend zygomatic implants.

What is the procedure like?

Inserting the dental implant into the jaw is a quick and straightforward procedure, usually carried out under local anaesthetic.

Dental implants are a perfect long-term solution for anyone who has a missing tooth or missing teeth.

Our goal and responsibility is to help you restore the appearance of your smile, along with your chewing ability, and the overall health of your mouth.

Depending on the number of implants required and the complexity of your case, this can vary. Usually, we estimate 906 minutes per implant from start to finish.

Once the implant is placed it can take a period of around 12 weeks for the implant to integrate and fully heal.

Once this period is over, the final crown can be manufactured to fit perfectly in line with the other teeth.

Usually, during this period a temporary crown will be placed which fills the gap whilst the implant is healing.

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Aftercare advise for implants

As with natural teeth, you will require regular check-ups and a great oral hygiene routine in order to adequately care of the teeth on your dental implants.

The most important ingredients for the long-term success of your implant are appropriate care paired with careful treatment planning and correct insertion of the implant.

Why do I need to treat a missing tooth?

At The Gentle Dental, we are aware of the number of issues missing teeth can bring:

• Issues impacting your bite
• Negative impacts on oral health
• Issues with speech and eating
• Impact on confidence levels

Are there any risks involved?

If you have your implants inserted at an esteemed practice like The Gentle Dental, and you care for them as advised, you should have little to no problems with your implants.

However, like any procedure, there are of course small risks involved.

• Nerve damage: A tiny 1% of implant procedures carried out every year result in nerve injuries. This is, of course, a very small number, but is still something you should be cautious of and we want all of our patients to be informed about this risk.
• A small chance they are not successful: Again, the dental implant failure rate is low but still could be a possibility. If you have gum disease, an insufficient amount of jawbone to work on or diabetes the procedure may not go as planned. We can discuss these risks fully at your consultation meeting so we do not go ahead with a treatment unless we are convinced it will be successful for you.

Why do patients choose Gentle Dental?

At The Gentle Dental, we are committed to providing the best possible treatment for our patients.

It is our job, not only to deliver amazing results for our patients but also to ensure you are happy, comfortable and relaxed throughout your treatment.

People choose to have their treatment with us because:

• We have a 5-star google rating
• A team of talented specialists
• Great care methods in place for nervous patients
• We offer advice on preventative measures, not just surgery
• Accredited members of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
• Accredited members of the Association of Dental Implantology
• Members of the Care Quality Commission

What next?

If you think dental implants could be right for you, or simply want to know more, then our highly qualified dentists would be happy to advise you!

We offer free consultation meetings where you can discuss any of your concerns and we can help work out a solution which is best for you.

Get in contact today on 020 8224 7562 to discuss your best options.

Read more:

• Tooth replacements
• ‘Teeth Now’ treatments
• False teeth
• Zygomatic implants & severe dental bone loss
• Implant procedure guide