Single Implants

A single implant is composed of several parts:

• Implant: An implant is a titanium post shaped like a screw inserted into the jawbone. In implant post-installation, it is inserted through the gum and into the jawbone. Osteointegration occurs when the dental implant fuses with the bone and the gums heal around it. A little part of the post protrudes past the gum line to attach the post to the abutment.
• Abutment: Titanium, gold, or porcelain are used to create the abutment. It is linked to the implant and functions as a connector between it and the crown.
• Porcelain crowns are used to cover the visible area of dental implants. The crown is custom-made to match the colour of your existing teeth and is secured to the abutment.

A patient who meets the following criteria is a suitable candidate for single implants:

• one tooth is missing,
• is in good health in general,
• has healthy gums,
• possesses adequate bone structure, and
• has made it a personal goal to maintain good oral hygiene.

A dental implant is very durable and can endure the different pressures caused by the movements of your teeth. If properly maintained, dental implants can last a lifetime. But the lifespan of a dental crown, bridge, or denture is between five and 15 years, assuming proper maintenance is done.

Other factors, such as tooth decay and aging, can potentially affect the long-term viability of implants. As a result, certain implants may require replacement sooner than planned.

Several stages are involved in dental implant treatment. It is an outpatient procedure that takes between 3-6 months to finish. Several dental specialists, including a periodontist and an oral surgeon, may be necessary to complete the dental treatment. Depending on the situation, local anaesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anaesthesia may be used.

Phase 1

Your teeth, gums, and jawbone will be evaluated during the first step. It is critical to determine whether you have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant during this initial assessment. A bone graft may be required before the dental implant process if the jawbone is excessively soft or thin. Before beginning the dental implant procedure, your gums should be in good health.

Phase 2

The implant is placed in the second step. The oral surgeon will cut the gums to expose the bone during dental surgery. Then they’ll drill holes in it. Next, the implant will be placed deeply into the bone to act as a root structure. A temporary detachable solution or healing cap will be employed to bridge the gap while the implant heals beneath the gums of the front tooth. If it’s a back tooth, it won’t be covered.

Phase 3

It may take 3–6 months for the bone to develop around the titanium screw after it is inserted. The process by which the bone adheres to the implant is known as osseointegration. Osseointegration is how the jawbone strengthens and develops around the implant. As it is anchored in place, it might then serve as an artificial root.

Phase 4

Your dentist will secure the abutment screw to the implant post when the healing process is complete. It can be done as part of the initial operation or as a bit of follow-up. An incision may be required if soft tissue has formed over the implant and an abutment screw is put in during a second treatment. The healing cap protects the implant and prevents soft tissue from growing over it. The healing cap will be removed during the second treatment, and the abutment will be attached to the implant screw. When gum tissue forms around the abutment, it acts as a protective barrier. The implant is extended above the soft tissues by an abutment. This makes it easier for the implant crown to sit on top of the implant. It may take a long time for the gums to heal after the abutment is completely put in.

Phase 5

Your dentist will take new impressions of your mouth after the implant has grown sufficiently into the bone to enable chewing. A dental technician will create custom implant crowns in a dental laboratory. In appearance, a dental crown resembles a natural tooth. The abutment is put on top of the implant crown, which is the only visible element of the implant.

We recommend creating a treatment plan with your dentist to avoid implant failure. Many dentists spend a significant amount of time preparing to guarantee that the treatment runs appropriately. We employ digital technology at Smiles in Currambine to build treatment plans and surgical guidance to precise implant placement and eliminate failure. When meeting with one of our dentists, be sure to tell them about your medical history, medications, and any habits you may have, such as smoking or consuming alcohol. Discuss any concerns you may have about implant failure and how you might prepare to avoid it.

Following your dental procedure, you should practice good oral hygiene, eat a soft-food diet, and refrain from smoking as instructed by your dentist. You should also schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist.

Single implants can be replaced with the following options:

Dental Bridges: A bridge is a prosthetic tooth, sometimes known as a pontic, attached to the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. Pontics are generally made of porcelain to mix as much as possible with your natural teeth. They can, however, be made of a variety of materials, including gold. Traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges are several dental bridges.

Partial Removable Dentures: A partial removable denture is a popular option for people who do not want a permanent bridge or dental implants to restore a missing tooth. It is usually retained in place by the clenching of neighbouring teeth. When one tooth is missing, partial dentures are a common, non-invasive choice. Acrylic is the most common material used.