Replacing a Single Tooth

A single tooth dental implant is a great way to replace a missing tooth while avoiding the conventional bridge approach. Dental implants come in various sizes of length and width, but using an implant of maximum size is always preferred for molars, which do most of the work during chewing. Single tooth implants can be planned precisely using computer assisted planning software and dental CT scan technology. This makes sure that the implant is just the right size for the tooth being replaced. Single tooth implants are a great way to restore your smile and keep your other teeth healthy and intact.

Healing Time for a Dental Implant

The time between the surgical implant installation and final crown placement on the lower jaw is generally shorter than it is on the upper jaw. This is due of denser bone in the lower jaw, which allows for quicker osseointegration (fusing) of the bone with the implant's outer surface. Lower prosthetic restorations can be done in less than 10 weeks from surgical implant placement as compared to at least 16 weeks for an upper back tooth.

Single Dental Implant Process

A "one-stage" protocol can be followed for dental implant placement if the tooth being replaced has a single root and is uninfected. This process consists of extracting the teeth and placing implants in the same appointment. However, molars usually have at least two roots and require a "two-phase" treatment sequence. The first phase of this requires removing remaining roots and bone grafting before allowing it to heal for 12 weeks. In the second phase, the implant is surgically inserted after healing has occurred.