Replacing a Single Tooth with a Dental Implant

Dental implants are today's treatment of choice for replacing missing teeth. They are long lasting, natural in appearance, and promote jaw health. By working closely with your dentist, we hope to provide you with a functional and esthetic replacement tooth that will last for a very long time.

A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing.

Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth, or if one needed to be extracted, the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be cut down and used as supports. A three unit “bridge” would then be inserted to restore the supporting teeth and replace the missing tooth. Because all three teeth are one single piece, a bridge can be difficult to clean and presents other challenges as well.

Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two perfectly healthy teeth, your periodontist inserts a dental implant into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. As it heals, the implant becomes solidly fixed into your jawbone (a process called osseointegration). Once the implant is ready, your referring dentist then places a crown onto this dental implant that looks, feels, and functions like your natural tooth. Dental implants stand alone and do not rely on your natural teeth for support.

Put simply, dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth. The video below explains the benefits of a dental implant compared to a traditional bridge.