Single Tooth Implants – St. Albans, WV

Single Tooth Replacement Options

If just one tooth is missing, there are generally two replacement options: a traditional fixed bridge or a dental implant.

• Fixed bridges are made of two crowns that hold a prosthetic tooth between them. The crowns use the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap for support. This kind of restoration is a good way to keep your remaining teeth in place while letting you smile with confidence while chewing and speaking normally. However, traditional bridges have no effect on bone loss in the jaw.
• Single tooth implants don’t just replace the tooth itself; they also replace the roots. A titanium post is surgically placed below the gum line and is permanently attached to a dental crown. The bone naturally fuses with the post thanks to a process called osseointegration. The end result will be a replacement tooth that looks, functions and feels like a natural one.

The Benefits of Implant-Supported Single Tooth Replacement

While implants and bridges both do their jobs well, a single-tooth implant has several advantages that you wouldn’t get from other kinds of restorations. This includes:

• Preventing Bone Loss: Dental implants stimulate the jaw, which helps it maintain its density. It also similarly helps stop gum tissue from deteriorating. Other restorations that don’t interact with the jawbone won’t have this benefit.
• Tooth Preservation: A small amount of enamel needs to be removed before there’s enough room to place a bridge on your teeth. Implant restorations, on the other hand, will let you preserve the health of your remaining teeth.
• Longer Lifespan: Bridges usually need to be replaced after 10 or 15 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, can last for decades or even the rest of your life with proper maintenance.