Single Tooth Implant Replacement Gainesville, FL

What is a single tooth implant?

Dentist offering dental implants in Gainesville, FL. Single-Tooth Implants – devices, usually alloplastic, surgically inserted into or onto the jawbone, which support a single prosthetic tooth and serve either as abutments or as cosmetic replacements for missing teeth.

How Smart Smile Dentistry can help with single tooth dental implants.

Dentists at Smart Smile Dentistry in Gainesville, Florida office are dedicated to giving patients a wide array of choices in tooth replacement. When it comes to a single missing tooth, a dental implant is one of the most popular choices. This is because implants are fixed in the mouth and do not affect the health or structure of surrounding teeth. Once you get used to your dental implant, you’ll find that its appearance, function and feel is virtually indistinguishable from that of your natural teeth.

Single tooth replacement implants in Gainesville.

Loss of a tooth is an unfortunate situation, but not an uncommon one. According to an estimate, about 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. So, don’t worry, you’re not alone! We have good news for you! at Smart Smile Dentistry in Gainesville, we offer multiple tooth replacement options to our esteemed patients, so that they can get back their smile and perform oral functions without difficulty.
In case you need replacement of a single missing tooth, you need to consider the following four different options:

That is of course, the simplest option and one that would cost you nothing initially! But it has some quite unpleasant consequences. A missing tooth among the front teeth takes a heavy toll on your smile and reduces your social appeal. With some people, it may even result in loss of self-esteem.

Another effect is physical. Neighboring teeth may move slightly to occupy part of the vacant space. This will change your bite. That means the teeth may not match properly with those in the opposite jaw which can cause serious discomfort in addition to difficulty in chewing. Extra spacing develops between the teeth and some teeth may get misaligned or crooked. Cleaning of crooked and misaligned teeth will be difficult. Consequently, there is risk of gum infection around such teeth. Hence, the option of “Do nothing” is not, really, a wise option.

denture refers to a removable set of teeth. You can have a partial denture with only one tooth in it. A metallic or plastic framework is prepared for folding the replacement tooth. The framework is made to fit healthy teeth on either side of the tooth that needs to be replaced. Alternately, the denture may have wires or hooks to attach to the adjacent teeth on either side. The framework sits on the gum flesh, and designed to fit on comfortably. Partial dentures are easy to make and not expensive. However, they have some disadvantages.

  • Potential for slipping – They can easily slip or come out and often cause embarrassment at the most inopportune moment.
  • Unaesthetic – the attaching hooks may be visible when smiling.
  • Need to be removed – they cannot be kept on all the time. They must be removed at night.
  • Special care – when removed, they must be kept soaked in a special solution or they might shrink.
  • Cleaning problems – must be cleaned thoroughly after eating and before storing.
  • Potential for fracture – must be handled carefully or may break or crack if they fall accidentally.
  • Accelerated bone resorption – the tooth socket is still vacant, and bone resorption may take place.

A dental bridge takes support from dental crowns placed on healthy teeth on either side of the gap to hold the replacement tooth or pontic. The supporting teeth, also called the abutments, need to be trimmed and shaped to allow crowns to be placed on them. Crowns can be costly, but if the adjacent teeth already need crowns for some reasons this option can be attractive.
A cantilever bridge can be made taking support from one side only, but is not a preferred option.

Among the disadvantages of the bridge are:

  • Natural tooth sacrifice – to support one tooth, dentists need to reshape two adjacent teeth. This can weaken them and, also cause sensitivity.
  • Vulnerability – in case one of the abutment teeth is damaged or lost, the bridge is also lost.
  • Potential for bone resorption – at the same time, the tooth socket is still empty and bone resorption can take place with similar results as in case of partial dentures.

A dental implant is the most modern and the most popular option currently offered by the dentistry profession. A replacement tooth in either of denture or bridge does not take support directly from the jaw bone. The denture simply sticks to the gum, or takes support from the adjacent teeth through hooks which can easily get detached. The bridge is permanent, but the replacement tooth again rests on the gum, taking support from the teeth on both sides. In contrast, the implant is like a natural tooth root getting support from the jaw bone directly.

The implant is primarily a titanium alloy post which is screwed into the jaw bone. It carries an abutment on its outer end. The artificial tooth is placed on this abutment. The resultant structure is permanent and firmly rooted into the jaw bone just like normal tooth. Nothing other than the crown is visible. The crown can be made to look like a natural tooth.

Why are implants so successful?

Titanium implants have another special advantage – that of osseo-integration. Surrounding bone grows onto the surface of the titanium implant, forming a very strong natural bond. Osseo-integration gives strength and stability to the implant, and makes as good as a natural tooth root.

Dental implants are currently the preferred option for replacement of single teeth. Following are some of the reasons.

  • Long life – Implants are a lifetime solution. Other tooth replacement options need replacements and repairs quite often.
  • Permanent and firmly rooted – the replacement tooth is permanently and firmly rooted into the jaw bone. It is contrast with the partial denture and the bridge which do not get as firm a support.
  • No need to remove – the denture has to be removed for cleaning, and to allow “breathing” to the gum. The implant supported tooth is permanent and remains in place all the time.
  • Natural – the implant supported tooth feels, functions and looks like a natural tooth.
  • Smile – your original smile is restored or even improved.
  • Cost – dental implants at Smart Smile Dentistry are affordable.
  • Upfront cost of dental implants puts some people off. However, the benefits of the implants far outweigh the extra cost

Which tooth replacement option to choose?

The actual choice will depend on many factors, which will include specialist advice, your budget priorities, insurance plan, and your aesthetic concerns. Here at Smart Smile Dentistry, we offer all three practical options. Dr. Paivi Samant is known throughout Gainesville for her exceptional surgical and cosmetic dental skills. So, what are waiting for? Visit us today and get the best replacement option for your missing teeth.

Single tooth dental implant placement procedure explained.

Dental implant placement is a staged process that can take several months. Once you are deemed a good candidate for the procedure, our dentist will map out a treatment plan using radiography, special computer software and templates to help us choose optimal placement in the alveolar bone. The implant, which is a small titanium cylinder, is placed in the bone under local anesthesia. The gum tissues are then sutured around the implant, and you must wait six weeks or longer for osseointegration to happen. This is the process of the jawbone tissues healing and adhering to the titanium implant, which the body eventually accepts as a natural body part.

What is an abutment?

An abutment is an attachment placed on top of the implant that holds your tooth restoration in place. The abutment can be placed at the time of implant surgery or after the implant is firmly anchored to the bone. After a successful osseointegration, we will attach a custom-made, natural-looking crown to your abutment, and you’ll walk out of our office will a fully functional bite and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Contact our implant dentistry in Gainesville, FL to schedule your appointment.

Smart Smile Dentistry can help you determine if Single Tooth Implant replacement is the right choice for your unique dental needs. Contact Smart Smile Dentistry office today at (352) 900-3590 to schedule your appointment.

Smart Smile Dentistry - Single Tooth Implant Gainesville | 4404 NW 36 Ave | Gainesville, FL 32606 | (352) 900-3590