If you have a single tooth missing and you're looking for a more permanent solution, a single dental implant may be the answer for you. The implant replaces the lost or missing tooth and it's root, with an implant and dental crown fitted over the top.
As the implanted tooth looks and functions like regular teeth, the health of the neighbouring teeth are maintained. Often times a dental bridge isn't enough to replace a single tooth and help maintain the general health of the surrounding teeth.
The screw which is inserted in to your gum to support the crown, reaches down to your bone. Over time the implant will integrate with your bone, helping to preserve the natural form of your bone.
In the first step of the procedure, X-rays and CT scans will be used to analyze the teeth to find out if there are any necessary steps to take before the implant operation and to create impressions in order for custom models to be made.
Bone grafting may have to be done first if you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw, which may increase the teeth implants cost.
After the initial examination or bone augmentation, it will be time to install the teeth implants. The implants will be inserted directly into the jaw bone in a way that accommodates the bridge.
The time required for osseointegration to take place can take 8 to 16 weeks depending on the quality of you bone. We will let you know an estimated time after this step.
After the teeth implants are fully healed and fused with the jaw bone; incisions will be made to expose the tops of the teeth implants. A temporary bridge may be placed on the implants for two to three months until the gum have time to heal, though if necessary temporary teeth will increase the teeth implants cost. The permanent bridge will be installed on the final visit which may or may not require a few readjustments before it feels just right.