The loss of a single tooth can significantly impact oral health, not just by creating a gap in your smile but also by affecting the functionality and alignment of the remaining teeth. This misalignment can accelerate wear and tear on your teeth, potentially leading to further tooth loss and bone degradation. However, thanks to advancements in dental technology, Dr. Takanari Miyamoto and Dr. Melissa Lang can provide single dental implant treatments that effectively restore the appearance and functionality of your tooth to its natural state.

Why Consider Single Tooth Implants?

The gap left by a missing tooth does more than alter your smile; it can lead to the shifting of adjacent teeth and compromise the structural integrity of your jawbone. This, in turn, can cause facial sagging, premature aging and additional dental complications. While traditional bridges have been a go-to solution, requiring the alteration of neighboring teeth to anchor the bridge, single-tooth implants offer a more advanced and less invasive option. These implants not only replicate the look and feel of your natural teeth but also replace the tooth’s root, preserving jawbone health and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting.

Advantages of Single Tooth Implants:

  • Natural Appearance and Function: Single-tooth implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, both in appearance and functionality.
  • Bone Preservation: By replacing the tooth’s root, implants help maintain the bone structure of your jaw, reducing bone loss.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Unlike bridges, single-tooth implants can be easier to clean, mimicking the simplicity of natural tooth care.
  • Durability and Stability: Implants offer a stable and long-term solution for tooth replacement, with the potential to last a lifetime with proper care. 

The Process of Getting Single Tooth Implants:

The journey to restoring your smile with a single-tooth implant involves a few key steps, as outlined by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID):

  1. Consultation and Planning: This initial phase includes a thorough examination, imaging and discussions about your dental and medical history to tailor the best treatment plan for you!
  2. Implant Placement: A dental implant, acting as a new root for your missing tooth, is placed into the jaw. Depending on the case, a temporary tooth may be provided while the implant integrates with your bone.
  3. Abutment Placement: If not done during the implant placement, an abutment, which serves as a connector for the new tooth, is added to begin to shape your gum tissues to accept your final crown.
  4. Crown Placement: A custom-made crown, designed to match your natural teeth, is attached to the abutment by your restorative dentist, completing the restoration process.

Choosing single-tooth dental implants not only benefits your oral health but also boosts your confidence by restoring your smile to natural beauty. Our experienced periodontists and team specialize in providing these implant solutions, now including metal-free white ceramic options.

To explore how single-tooth implants in La Vista, Nebraska, and the surrounding areas of Elkhorn, Omaha and Papillion, Nebraska, can rejuvenate your smile, call Metro West Orthodontics & Periodontics at 402-614-7022 today to schedule your consultation.