A missing tooth may not seem like a big deal, but it can threaten your oral health and cause embarrassment. Even one lost tooth will cause bone loss around the gap, and the surrounding teeth will shift toward the gap. Dr. Elise Brace with Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers a single dental implant in Cary, NC for patients missing one tooth. This is the best option available for your oral health and offers the most natural appearance.
Why Choose a Single Dental Implant in Cary, NC?
With one missing tooth, you will actually have several options to choose from. A traditional dental bridge has been the go-to option for many years and is still a great choice. However, it does have several disadvantages. A bridge is made up of two dental crowns with the pontic (the false tooth) in the middle.
This solution requires taking the two adjacent teeth and reducing them in size. Then the two crowns are cemented to them to secure the prosthesis. Not only are you permanently damaging two healthy teeth to replace one tooth, but you are also placing extra stress on them.
Another solution is a flipper tooth which is basically a lightweight, removable partial denture. Dentists do not typically use these for long-term solutions. They are not sturdy and only offer aesthetic benefits. However, they are very cheap and can be made fairly quickly.
Both the flipper tooth and the dental bridge will not prevent bone loss, a major problem once a person experiences tooth loss. A single dental implant is the only option that will replace the root and crown portion of the tooth. Your dentist will place one dental implant in the jaw bone and then cap it off with a dental crown. It will look, feel, and work just like a real tooth. It will be sturdy and will not rely on the surrounding teeth at all.
Parts of a Single Dental Implant
- Dental Implant: the first part is the dental implant itself. Your dentist will surgically place it into the jaw, where it will fuse with the surrounding bone over a period of three to six months. It is a very strong dental device made of titanium that will last forever if you take care of it.
- Abutment: the second part is the abutment. This is a metal connector piece that brings together the implant and the crown. After that three to six-month healing period, your dentist will attach the abutment.
- Dental Crown: the last part is the dental crown. The crown is a visible part that will resemble a tooth and will blend in naturally with the rest of your smile. Your dentist will cement or screw the crown to the abutment.
How do I care for a single dental implant?
It is very easy to care for your implant-supported crown. You will simply treat it like a natural tooth and floss around it and brush it every single day. Visiting your dentist every six months for a regular checkup is also very important. Other than that, it does not require any extra special care. Proper oral hygiene is the key to the success of your single dental implant.
How long will a single dental implant last?
With regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, the dental implant itself should last forever. However, the dental crown will endure natural wear and tear over the years. If you take good care of it, there is no reason it should not last 10 to 15 years. After that, we will have a new one made and swap them out. It is a very simple and easy maintenance step with a single dental implant.
If you are interested in a single dental implant in Cary, NC, book a consult today with Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Request an appointment online or call our local dentist office today at 919.823.7107.