A single tooth implant is a prosthetic tooth that’s anchored to your jawbone. It replaces a tooth that’s missing or that has been extracted. A single tooth implant serves several functions. It prevents bone loss, and it allows you to bite and chew normally. It also fills in awkward gaps in your smile that result from missing teeth. If your smile needs a boost, consider the dental implant services of Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch.
Why Consider a Tooth Implant?
Dental implants, such as a single-tooth implant, are permanent solutions to lost or missing teeth. They’re anchored firmly to your jaw, just like a natural tooth. As a result, you don’t have to worry about taking them in and out to eat, brush, or sleep. Dental implants look and perform like natural teeth. This means they’re capable of biting and crushing food. But perhaps most importantly, a tooth implant will prevent the bone beneath a missing tooth from receding. We call this bone loss, and it can cause serious problems if left untreated.
What is the Single Tooth Implant Procedure?
Having a single tooth implant is pretty straightforward. Your cosmetic dentist implants a titanium post into the socket of the missing tooth. He’ll give this post time to bond with the jawbone. Once it has healed, your dentist will cap it with an abutment. The abutment serves as the connector between the post and the prosthetic tooth. Lastly, he’ll fit the artificial tooth onto the abutment, and you’ll leave your dentist with a new smile.
Your new tooth looks real and functions like normal. It will require the same care and maintenance you give to your natural teeth. But other than this, it’s basically a worry-free solution for replacing a missing tooth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take?
The procedure to have a dental implant happens over a period of months. First, you’ll consult with your cosmetic dentist as he takes X-rays and performs diagnostic tests to see whether implants are the best solutions. Next, your dentist may take impressions of your teeth to send to a lab where they will fabricate the artificial tooth. In the meantime, you’ll have minor surgery to implant the titanium post. Once the post has bonded with the bone, your dentists will add the new tooth’s abutment. It’s not a speedy process. But you’ll want your dentist to take his time and make sure each step of the process happens as it should. This will result in a more successful dental implant.
Dental Implants at Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch
If you’re missing one or more teeth due to trauma or extraction, Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch is happy to sit down with you and discuss solutions. We have a cosmetic dentist on staff who can tell you more about the benefits of dental implants and whether they’re a good fit for your goals.
Missing teeth are more than just annoying. They can contribute to more serious dental health conditions such as bone loss. The sooner you address the issue, the easier it will be to perform a dental implant procedure. If you wait until too much bone loss has occurred, you may require a bone graft before your implant procedure can occur.
For more information on dental implants or other oral health care solutions for you and your family, call Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch in Katy, Texas, today at 713-244-7799. Alternately, you can visit our website to see all we offer in the way of general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. If you have a dental health care problem, we’ll help you find the right solution. Contact us today to learn more.
