Single Tooth Implants
Spokane Valley, WA
Tooth implants fall under the category of restorative dentistry. If you’ve lost a tooth, your dentist may provide you two options to restore the tooth. You could either get a dental bridge or opt for a single tooth implant. Both options come with their own set of benefits. However, an implant may be a better option.
In a tooth implant, a false tooth is placed over a titanium post that is attached to the jaw bone. The process involves removing the damaged tooth and the root and replacing it with a false tooth that looks and functions like the real tooth. We also offer multiple tooth implants for our clients who are in need of this procedure.
The process is extensive and may sound scary, but our specialists at Serenity Dental go above and beyond to make the process as comfortable as possible for our patients. Our team specializes in various dental procedures, including dental implants.
Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant is actually a very simple oral surgery. In fact, the diagnostics and planning procedure takes longer than the actual surgery. Once you decide to get an implant, the doctor will use computer tests to determine the best place for the implant. They will use panoramic dental x-rays, photographs of your teeth, and digital impressions to do so. The dentist will then print out a surgical stent to use as guidance during the surgery.
The surgical procedure is very straightforward. The dentist will expose the bone by making an incision in the gums. They will use the stent as guidance the find the perfect spot for the implant and then place the titanium screw (implant) in the jaw.
You will have to take extra care of oral hygiene as your tooth heals. The dentist will also place a healing cap over the new tooth to ensure the gums heal around it, further securing the new implant.
The process can take up to a few days or even a month as the implant is first allowed to fuse with the jaw bone and heal completely protected by a temporary cap. You can also opt for a one-stage implant that is quicker as it comes attached with an extension eliminating one of the steps.
Benefits of Tooth Implants
There are numerous benefits of tooth implants.
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Permanent solution – In an implant, the false tooth is embedded in the gums and secured much like the natural structure of a tooth, whereas a bridge is cemented over the existing and structure. The bridge may move or come loose, whereas an implant will not.
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Comfortable – The implant is a copy of the original tooth and thus fits right into place in the jaw. The false tooth mimics the function of the original tooth allowing the patient to chew and bite naturally.
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Maintain Bone Health – The implant is secured onto the jaw bone, thus preserving it by keeping it intact. It prevents the bone from shrinking and maintains the integrity of the jaw.
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Visually aesthetic – Overtime, your bridge may start to become unattractive, especially as you age, and the gums start to recede. An implant, however, looks just like a natural tooth and will keep your smile looking visually aesthetic. |
At Serenity Dental, we strive to provide high-quality care to our patients. Our goal is to preserve every patient’s smile, oral and dental health. We have a solution for all your dental needs. You can find out more about our services here. |
