Are you missing a tooth?
Tooth replacement options have advanced over the past few years. One of the most successful tooth replacement options for patients experiencing tooth loss is a single-tooth dental implant. Designed to replace the natural tooth root, dental implants offer a stable, long-lasting solution for tooth loss.
Our team at Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry can work with you to determine if a single-tooth dental implant is right for you. Morristown dentist Dr. Victor Gittleman will assess your dental needs and build a comprehensive treatment plan that is right for you.
If you are missing a tooth due to dental trauma, extraction, or other factors, you may notice changes in your speech, chewing ability, and the appearance of your smile. Missing teeth can lead to issues with eating, speaking, and self-confidence. Choosing the best tooth replacement option is key to restoring health, beauty, and function to your smile.
What Exactly Is a Single Tooth Dental Implant?
A single tooth dental implant has three parts. The first part is the implant post. This is a small screw made of titanium. Titanium is a safe metal that your body accepts easily. Dr. Gittleman places this post directly into your jawbone where your missing tooth used to be. It acts just like a natural tooth root.
The second part is the abutment. This is a small connector piece. It attaches to the top of the implant post once the post has healed. The abutment sticks up just above your gum line.
The third part is the dental crown. This is the part you see when you smile. Dr. Gittleman custom-makes each crown to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. The crown attaches to the abutment. When it is finished, no one will ever know it is not your real tooth.
How Is a Single Tooth Implant Different From a Bridge?
Some patients ask about a dental bridge instead of an implant. A bridge uses the two teeth next to the gap as anchors. Those teeth must be shaved down, which can weaken them over time.
An implant does not touch your healthy teeth at all. It stands on its own. Your nearby teeth stay exactly as they are. That is a big advantage for your long term oral health.
The Benefits You Will Notice Every Day
Patients choose a single tooth implant for several important reasons:
- Natural look and feel. The crown looks just like a real tooth. It also feels like a real tooth when you bite or chew. You will forget it is even there.
- Protects your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone starts to shrink. This is called bone loss. An implant stops that from happening because the titanium post sends signals to your body to keep the bone healthy.
- Easy to clean. You brush and floss an implant just like a natural tooth. No special soaks or adhesives like with dentures.
- Eat what you want. Bite into an apple. Enjoy a steak. Chew on both sides of your mouth again. An implant gives you back full chewing power.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Dental Implant?
Dr. Gittleman will check a few things before recommending an implant. First, he will look at your gum health. Your gums should be free of active disease. If you have gum disease, we can treat that first.
Second, he will check your jawbone. You need enough healthy bone to hold the implant in place. Dr. Gittleman uses a CBCT scan at our Morristown office. This is a 3D image that shows exactly how much bone you have. No guessing. No surprises.
If you have lost too much bone, do not worry. Dr. Gittleman offers bone grafting. This procedure rebuilds healthy bone tissue so you can still get an implant.
What Is the Timeline for a Single Tooth Implant?
Getting a single tooth implant takes several months. Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Consultation and planning. Dr. Gittleman examines your mouth and takes a CBCT scan. You will talk about your goals and any questions you have.
- Step 2: Implant placement. This is a minor surgery done right in our office. Dr. Gittleman numbs the area. He makes a small opening in your gum and places the titanium post into your jawbone. Most patients say it was easier than they expected.
- Step 3: Healing. Your jawbone needs time to grow around the implant and fuse to it. This takes about 3 to 6 months. During this time, you will wear a temporary tooth so your smile looks normal.
- Step 4: Abutment and crown. Once healing is complete, Dr. Gittleman attaches the abutment and then your custom permanent crown. Your new tooth is finished.
Replace a Single Missing Tooth
If you are searching for an experienced implant dentist in Morristown, NJ, visit our team at Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry. We can determine if a single-tooth dental implant is right for your smile. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment online.