Dental Implant - Each

Overview

A single tooth implant is feasible with one implant and a crown. Dental implants help to replace any lost natural tooth and even its root. There are several advantages of a single dental implant that include replacing a single tooth without interfering with the surrounding teeth, maintenance for a long run and normal functioning of the tooth.

Compared to other common treatments, single dental implant is the best option. Since the procedure replaces the root of the tooth, the bone in the area is better preserved unlike bridges in which some of the bones in the area start to deteriorate some time after the surgery. Gums usually recede around the bridge, exposing the collar or metal base of the bridge. Before a single dental implant procedure, you should take care of a few things.

Before the treatment

A thorough evaluation is necessary before the procedure. The preparations before a single dental implant are given step by step:

Step 1: You have to undergo dental X-rays.

Step 2: The treatment plan is tailored as per the requirement of the patient and his/her dental condition. Before chalking out a plan, it is important to make a dental study to understand the condition of the jawbone and the tooth to be replaced.

Step 3:Apart from the dentist, there are other specialists involved in the pre-examination process. For instance, a doctor will assess the condition of your mouth, face and jaw, a dentist who will work out the structure of your jawbone and a dental specialist who will restore the implants.

Step 4: Inform your doctor about any medications that you are having and also about your medical conditions, if any. If you are having any supplements or over-the-counter drugs, tell about it to your doctor. In case of orthopaedic implants or any special heart condition, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics.

Step 5: You are instructed about the foods and drinks that should be taken or avoided before the surgery.

Step 6: Consult with your doctor regarding the types of anaesthetics that will be given to you, either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia or sedation. Once, you are ready prior to having a single dental implant, the following surgical procedures are taken care of.

How its Performed

Read to know how single dental implant is performed:

• First, anaesthesia is given to the patient. The implant is a type of cylinder or screw which is placed in your jaw. Then, the patient is allowed to go home. In the next 2-6 months, the bone and the implant in place of the missing tooth gradually bond together to form an anchor for fixing an artificial tooth. Meantime, dental surgeons usually arrange a temporary tooth replacement at the implant site.
• Then, the dentist may expose the implant and attach an extension to it. A temporary healing cap is placed to create a foundation for a new tooth. Some time is given to the patient for gum healing.
• In the final step, the dentist creates a crown or a replacement tooth and carefully attaches it to the metal post, also called an abutment that has already been created. Thus, you have a natural looking tooth matched to your neighbouring teeth that functions normally and is long lasting.

Recovery

The recovery of single dental implant depends upon the complexity of the procedure and from person to person. The healing time from the procedure to place a dental implant may extend up to six month, whereas fitting of the crown may take up to a maximum of two months.

Follow-up appointments are essential post surgery. After the complete procedure of a single dental implant, patients are expected to function normally in a couple of days. It is important for patients to maintain proper oral hygiene post surgery. Some may experience swelling, bleeding and mild soreness, which are treated with over-the-counter medicines. Patients should bear in mind to keep the teeth clean by brushing and flossing regularly.