Single Tooth Replacement with Dental Implants
Whether you're missing a tooth from accident, injury, decay, or other reasons, dental implants are the standard of care for tooth replacement in dentistry today. A dental implant is a small, titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root. Dr. Fitzgerald is a qualified implant dentist who places and restores dental implants at his Plano/North Dallas implant center.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Single Tooth Replacement
In the past, the only option for single tooth replacement was a dental bridge. Conventional dental bridges require reduction of the teeth on each side of the missing tooth. This means that natural teeth have to be compromised in order to sustain a full smile. With dental implants, your natural teeth remain fully intact, allowing you to keep a full set for longer.
Once a tooth is gone, the jawbone that supported that tooth is no longer needed. As a result, the jawbone begins to deteriorate, which changes the entire facial profile. Patients with jawbone deterioration have a "shrunken" profile. A dental implant will function like a tooth root, stimulating healthy bone regeneration. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that won't eventually result in bone loss.
Another benefit of single tooth dental implants is that with proper care and maintenance they last most people a lifetime. Traditional dental bridges will only last 7 to 10 years before they need to be replaced.
Conventional dental bridge – Tooth reduction for crowns is required.
Dental implant – No tooth reduction required.
Considerations
- Tooth position: As your implant dentist, Dr. Fitzgerald wants your tooth replacement to function well with the rest of your teeth. He will make sure that the dental implant is the ideal shape and size for a properly aligned bite.
- Bone support: The dental implant must have adequate bone support if it is to be successful. If it does not have enough bone, Dr. Fitzgerald can perform a bone graft prior to or in conjunction with dental implant placement.
- Gums: Dr. Fitzgerald carefully considers the appearance of the gum tissue that surrounds the dental implant. The ultimate goal is for a natural-looking tooth replacement that appears to grow from the gum line. If there is a deficiency or excess of gum in the area, Dr. Fitzgerald can perform a gum graft or gum lift for a more natural appearance.
- Cosmetics: When treating teeth in the smile zone, Dr. Fitzgerald takes a comprehensive approach to ensure a beautiful smile. Our office houses a laboratory with a master's level ceramist who will custom design a beautiful tooth based on the information we give her. If you would like a whiter smile or smile makeover, Dr. Fitzgerald may suggest porcelain veneers or crowns to enhance your smile in conjunction with your dental implants.
If you'd like to replace your tooth the natural way, call the Fitzgerald Dental Implant Center to schedule your complimentary consultation. Dr. Fitzgerald has over 20 years of experience as Plano/North Dallas' implant dentist.