Single Tooth Replacement

SINGLE MISSING TOOTH

Benefits of a crown on implant:
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a custom laboratory fabricated crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

Dr. Fairbanks will evaluate you for the surgical placement of the dental implant. The implant is a threaded titanium insert that replicates the tooth root. Once the perscribed healing period has completed, you will return to your dentist for impression taking and crown fabrication.

Treatment:

This procedure normally includes four visits to Dr. Fairbanks. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant placed.

COURSE OF TREATMENT

INSTALLING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult Dr. Fairbanks to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1: Before the procedure Dr. Fairbankswill see you for a consultation exam and takes x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.	2: Installing the implant The implant is surgically placed in the jawbone.  The implant will need a few months to integrate within the bone. After that integration period, Dr. Fairbanks will assess the healing prior to sending you back to your dentist.

3: Attaching the new crown The final step of permanent crown delivery will be performed in your dentist office after impressions have been taken.	4: End result You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Perform your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean.

 
ALTERNATIVES TO RESTORING A SINGLE TOOTH WITH AN IMPLANT

	Tooth-supported fixed bridge A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorption in the edentulous area (the area without a tooth), and removing the protective enamel of the healthy teeth in order to have a bridge placed.   This bridge will have to be replaced several times throughout your lifetime.
	Removable partial denture This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap. However the forces of the denture can affect the teeth adjacent to the space and cause them to loosen.
	Resin-bonded bridge This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, it gives a high esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren't affected. But it is not very permanent. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off – probably after just a couple of years – and will then have to be reinstalled.