What is a single tooth implant?
A single tooth implant is one implant that would replace one missing tooth. For example, if you lost one of your molars or one of your front teeth, you're just replacing that single tooth. The implant is placed in the space where that tooth used to be, and then when it's healed up, we put a tooth on it or a dental crown.
What is the process for getting a single tooth implant?
The process of getting a single tooth implant is really quite straightforward and fairly easy and simple. First, we start with the consultation to see if you're a good candidate for it. Usually, that's an evaluation of your bone. We want to make sure you have enough bone for the implant, which involves taking a 3D X-ray, also called a cone beam or a CBCT.
We get the 3D information of your mouth, and with that information, we can determine where your implant should go. It also involves doing what we call an intraoral scan, a special digitized picture of your mouth. We are able to overlay that on the 3D X-ray on a computer, and then we can virtually place the implant where it should be for that replacement.
We kind of work backward. We first figure out where the tooth position should be, and then we work backward to see where the implant should be in order to get that tooth in the correct position. That's really the process of getting the consultation done.
If you go ahead with the process, it's really simple. We usually print a 3D surgical guide off of the computerized planning. That guide really allows us to make the procedure pretty pain-free, a lot easier, and quicker. We snap that 3D surgical guide into place, and then it guides our drill, and really in a matter of minutes, we're able to place that implant.
What is bone graft and when is it necessary?
Bone graft is just the particulate material. It could be cadaver bone, synthetic, or your own bone. Basically, you put it in any kind of defects in the bone, so it fills a hole or something like that. What it does is provide a scaffolding, like a template, for your real bone to grow into it, so that it gets replaced by your real bone. It preserves the space and allows your real bone to grow. Kind of like when a construction worker has scaffolding up so that he can do some work. It's usually needed when there is a defect or if you take a tooth out.
A lot of times there's a big hole, and we will graft the hole so that it fills in with bone and not your soft tissue, not your gums. You can't really place an implant into just straight gums.
When would you need a single dental implant?
For a single missing tooth, an implant is usually the best way to go versus what you've heard of as a dental bridge or a fixed bridge. A fixed bridge involves cutting two teeth on either side of the missing space so that the three pieces can be glued in to replace the one missing tooth. In effect, you are causing some damage to two teeth.
In most cases, it's better to do a single implant and not touch the other two teeth. Sometimes the teeth may need crowns already, and it might be a better option than the implant, but usually, the single tooth implant is going to be better. A bridge has a lifespan of probably no more than 20 years, studies show. If you're cutting on two teeth that don't have any kind of need for it, you're setting yourself up for other problems down the road. Sometimes your bone is not sufficient for an implant, and in those cases, the fixed bridge is a better alternative.
Rarely would I ever suggest what we call a removable bridge or removable partial denture for a single tooth. They're not very comfortable, they're cumbersome, and you have to take them out after you eat to clean them. Most people just stick them in the drawer. The single tooth implant is the way to go.
What's the healing process from a single dental implant?
It's hard to say. It varies. Everybody's different. If you're a fast healer, you're going to heal quickly from an implant procedure. If you have problems healing, like when you get cut, it'll take a little longer. Generally, within a week or two, you're totally healed and don't even know. Most people, the next day or even that same day in the evening, won't even know they had the procedure done. I would say, and I tell my patients, it's easier than having a tooth out or a root canal or a mouthful of fillings. Especially with the digital process that we do. Everything is streamlined, faster, easier, and you heal much quicker when it's done digitally.
Some of the benefits of having a single implant done for tooth replacement include restoring your biting. If you're missing a tooth when you chew, now you're distributing your chewing to fewer teeth, putting more stress on those teeth. You're making it easier on other teeth to replace that single tooth. If it's in the front of the mouth, the aesthetics are very important when you smile.
Also, if you don't replace a missing tooth, the other teeth on either side of the space tend to drift. The teeth tend to move forward, tend to drop, and basically, you're creating a lifetime of problems because you're collapsing your bite in that area. If you have a missing tooth, I strongly suggest that you replace it with a dental implant. You'll thank me in the long run.
What does a single implant tooth cost if you don't have insurance?
If insurance is not assisting you in the payment, it's usually anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000, depending on if you're going to need some bone grafting or any special things like what we call a sinus lift or a sinus bump. It's usually about that range.
People ask me, well, what's the difference in cost between the single tooth implant and, let's say, a bridge or a partial? I would say that the single tooth implant and the bridge are very similar in cost. In the long run, it's actually a lot cheaper to get the single tooth implant, as you will more than likely be replacing that bridge within about 10 years, which is probably the average. 20 years is the long-term limit. You're going to be paying that price again, and it'll probably be more expensive down the road.
For a partial denture, it's quite a bit cheaper. It's probably half the price, but it's nowhere near the comfort and chewing ability of a single tooth implant. You really can't compare a removable denture to a single tooth implant. You're really only comparing it to a bridge. If all things being equal, really the implant's going to be a lot cheaper in the long run.
How can I schedule a dental appointment to restore my teeth and oral health?
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (209) 474-8888 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.