Single Tooth Implant
Kennewick, WA
 If one of your existing teeth needs to be replaced, our team can utilize treatments such as a single tooth dental implant. No one wants to have missing teeth. It can cause you to be self conscious about your appearance and your smile, make it hard to chew, and sometimes even to say certain words, depending on where in your mouth the missing tooth is located. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, contact us at Dennis Bradshaw Dentistry to find out about single tooth replacement.
Preparing for Your Dental Implant
During your initial consultation, our team will complete a thorough oral exam, find out your medical and dental history, and take digital x-rays. This process will allow our team to best assess your case and guide you to the right restorative procedures for you. After the initial visit, our team will schedule your first restorative treatment. This may involve various procedures, depending on your needs. Your damaged tooth may need to be extracted. If you do not have enough jawbone density, you may first need a bone graft to prepare you for your dental implant.
The Components of a Dental Implant
Dental implants involve installing titanium posts into your jawbone and fitting these posts with prosthetic teeth that look and function like natural teeth. The dental implant post acts as an artificial tooth root. This will be surgically embedded into your jawbone. The implant will require several months to fuse, through a process called osseointegration, with your jawbone. After the area surrounding the implant post has healed, you will return to our office for an abutment, which is the connector between the implant post and the third and final piece, the dental crown. The crown is placed on top of the implant and acts as your new tooth. The crown is the visible part of the implant, and will be colored and shaped to match the rest of your teeth. For multiple missing teeth, a multiple tooth implant can be used. It involves the same process, but instead of a single tooth implant, there are several, depending on the number of missing teeth the patient has. Dental implants are permanent tooth restorations. They will likely last the rest of your life, as they can last as long as 25 years.
What Are the Other Options for Replacing a Single Tooth?
In addition to single tooth implants, there are other options available for replacing a missing tooth. One option for single tooth replacement is a fixed dental bridge. This process involves trimming the adjacent teeth and cementing a new tooth to them for permanence. Though the durability of a bridge is often attractive, it does require the intentional damage (the trimming down) of surrounding teeth that may otherwise be in good condition. Another option for tooth replacement is a removable partial denture. This denture can be worn during the day to mask the presence of tooth loss but can be taken out nightly for proper cleaning.
Are You Ready to Replace Your Missing Tooth?
If you'd like to see if you are a candidate for a single tooth implant, please contact Dennis Bradshaw Dentistry at (509) 547-9549 to schedule a consultation appointment. You don't need to suffer with a missing tooth any longer. |
