Single Tooth Replacement

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

Benefits of all-ceramic crown:

When damage has occurred to both tooth and root, the best option for a permanent replacement is a dental implant with a ceramic crown. This option will look and function as your natural tooth.

This is defined as a one-piece implant, which means that all components of the dental implant will be installed as a single unit. This type of implant will provide the following results:

  • Immediate, fully functioning teeth
  • Minimal painShorter treatment time
  • More esthetically pleasing
  • Life long, stable solution

This process generally requires four visits to your dentist. You can fully expect to return to normal activities the day following the dental implant.

Because there are several options available, Dr. Wetmore will determine which is most appropriate for your situation.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION OF DENTAL IMPLANT

1. Before the procedure
Dr. Wetmore will complete a full exam and use x-rays of the area in preparation for the procedure.
2. Installing the implant
The dental implant will be installed and a temporary tooth provided so that eating and other normal tooth function may resume immediately. Timeframe for the dental implant will require a few months of healing to integrate with the jaw. Once healing occurs, the next step will commence.
3. Attachment of new crown
Placement of your permanent ceramic tooth will complete the process. This tooth should last a lifetime with no additional treatment needed.
4. Results
Your new tooth will function and fit as well as your natural tooth. Maintaining excellent dental hygiene habits will keep the tooth and gums from your dental implant healthy and strong.

ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ALTERNATIVES

Tooth-supported fixed bridge

Traditional bridges involve the grinding of your adjacent teeth to support them. This bridge is easy to install and provides stability, great esthetics and function. There are two disadvantages to this solution: some of your healthy teeth will need to be sacrificed and continuous bone resorption will occur in the edentulous area.

Removable partial dentures

Partial dentures do not provide a permanent solution to a lost tooth. They tend to be unstable and loose, affecting function as well as comfort. They are made of plastic which will not provide the same esthetic result as ceramic crowns. They do have a few benefits: they are quickly installed, relatively inexpensive and your adjacent teeth should not be affected.

Resin-bonded bridge

There are clear advantages to this alternative: functionality is good, it is installed quickly and, because it too is composed of ceramic material, provides a high esthetic result. Your natural teeth will not be affected, but it is not a permanent option like the dental implant. Often, the resin-bonded bridge will come off, perhaps within only a few years, and will need to be reinstalled.