Single Tooth Implants
Single-tooth dental implants are a great solution if you're missing one or more single teeth because they look and function like natural teeth.
Unlike dentures, they are permanently fixed in place and don’t need to be removed for cleaning. Sometimes fixed bridges can be considered as an alternative to dental implants. However, these have to be attached to your natural teeth and this often involves removing healthy enamel. This is an important consideration when deciding what option is best for you.
The procedure
We carefully plan your dental implant procedure using a CT scan. This gives us a clear 3-dimensional picture of your jawbone and helps to identify the ideal position to place your implant. This is important so that we can get the best outcome both aesthetically and functionally.
In some cases, there is not enough bone to allow an implant to be placed and we may need to add more bone. This can either be done at the time your implant is placed or beforehand. This procedure is called a bone graft and is often carried out in conjunction with dental implants. Several materials and techniques can be used to build up missing bone and we will discuss this in more detail if it is required.
Most implant procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic, however, you may choose to have sedation to feel more relaxed. We may also recommend sedation if the procedure is going to longer than normal to ensure you’re totally comfortable.
It is important to understand that most implant procedures are made up of 2 parts. The first part involves placing the metal post in the jawbone. This is then allowed to knit with the bone for about 3 months before the crown is attached. So there will be a period of time while you may be wearing a temporary tooth replacement. At Cape Road, we understand the importance of feeling comfortable and confident and we make every effort to ensure that your temporary tooth replacement is as good as it can be.
In some cases, it is possible to attach a temporary crown to your implant at the same time as it is placed into the jaw bone. This is not suitable for all cases and we can discuss this option if we feel you are a suitable candidate.
To find out more about dental implants for single teeth, speak to Cape Road today. Call 01926 491029 or fill out the form below. You can also book a consultation.
