26
May
Replace a Lost Tooth with a Single Dental Implant
Losing a tooth may seem like a minor issue, especially if it’s not visible when you smile. However, even one missing tooth can lead to several oral health problems that affect your bite, speech, and overall dental health. At Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center, Dr. Wayne Sutton offers implant-based solutions to restore your smile, whether you’re missing a single tooth or several. Here, we answer some of the most common questions about single-tooth implants and why they are often the best option for tooth replacement.
Why Should I Replace a Missing Tooth if It’s Not in the Smile Zone?
Even if a missing tooth isn’t immediately noticeable, leaving the gap untreated can lead to long-term dental issues. The space can cause surrounding teeth to shift out of alignment, leading to an uneven bite. This misalignment can result in problems like TMJ disorders, uneven tooth wear, and even difficulty cleaning your teeth properly. Additionally, losing a tooth can make chewing and speaking more challenging. Addressing the gap early with a dental implant can help prevent these complications.
What Is a Single-Tooth Implant, and How Does It Work?
A single-tooth implant is a permanent tooth replacement option that closely mimics the structure and function of your natural tooth. Unlike dentures or bridges, which rest on top of the gums, an implant replaces the tooth’s crown and root. The implant is a titanium post inserted into your jawbone through surgery. Once the implant is integrated with your bone, it is a sturdy base for a natural-looking dental crown. The process includes three components:
- Implant: A titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root.
- Abutment: A connector piece that attaches the implant to the crown.
- Crown: A restoration crafted to match the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth.
What to Expect from Single Dental Implant Treatment?
The journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Sutton. The objective is to evaluate your overall dental health and establish whether your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant. If you’re eligible for an implant, we use digital X-rays and 3D scans to plan your treatment. This involves establishing the ideal location to place an implant.
When all is set, it’s time for implant surgery. We carry out this outpatient procedure after administering local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Once comfortable, we incise your gums and bone to surgically insert a titanium post. Finally, we suture the surgical site and give it four to six months to heal. During healing, your jawbone fuses with the implant to become one strong structure to support the final restoration.
After healing and fusion, we uncover the implant and install an abutment. After about four weeks of healing, we restore your tooth with a natural-looking dental crown. Once your dental implant settles in place, no one will know it’s a tooth replacement. You, too, will forget it’s artificial because it functions and feels like your natural teeth.
What Should I Expect During the Single Dental Implant Treatment?
The process starts with a thorough consultation with your dentist. During this visit, we assess your dental health and determine if your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant. Using digital X-rays and 3D imaging, we plan the placement of your implant for optimal results. If you’re a candidate, the next step is a minor outpatient surgery where the implant is inserted into your jawbone.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Surgery: After administering local anesthesia, we make a small incision in your gum and insert the titanium post into the bone. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive.
- Healing and Integration: Over the next 4-6 months, your jawbone naturally fuses with the implant in osseointegration. This bond creates a stable foundation for your new tooth.
- Restoration: After the implant has healed, we attach the abutment and, finally, the custom crown. The result is a restoration that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
How Do I Get Started with Dental Implants at Santa Rosa Dentistry?
If you have a missing tooth, don’t wait for further complications to arise. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wayne Sutton at Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center today. We’ll assess your situation and create a personalized plan to restore your smile. For more information or to book an appointment, call (707) 542-6772. Restoring your smile is easier than you think. Dental implants offer a reliable, long-lasting solution that can restore your confidence and improve your quality of life.
Dr. Wayne Sutton
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Dr. Sutton is one of the premier cosmetic dentists in Sonoma County, and with over 25 years of experience, his implant center maintains a standard of excellence using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.
Dr. Sutton completed his postgraduate studies at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and received his doctorate, three years of experience as a clinical instructor, and the coveted “Clinical Excellence Award” from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997. He also earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group.
Dr. Sutton continues to take four times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sutton is also a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.