When you have a lost tooth due to a previous extraction, the bone beneath your gums will shrink over time. A single tooth implant requires healthy bone for it to be correctly inserted. However, even if the bone tissue has some shrinkage, a patient can have bone grafting done to restore it before single tooth implants can be placed. This allows people who have had an extraction years ago to still get dental implants even if they have experienced a damaged jawbone.
What Are Single Tooth Implants?
Single tooth dental implants are artificial tooth roots that secure restorations in the mouth. They can replace both missing and damaged teeth while keeping your jawbone strong. During a dental exam, Dr. Ty Eriks, DMD can evaluate your oral health to determine if you’re a good candidate for single tooth implants. He also can determine if you require bone grafting before your procedure.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure using transplanted bone to rebuild and repair a damaged jawbone. The bone grafting procedure requires several steps, including:
- Anesthesia
- Cleaning the area
- Making incisions
- Insertion of bone graft
- Closing incisions
After your procedure, you should be able to resume a normal diet quickly. An x-ray will help our dentist determine if your surgery was successful. For those requiring bone grafting before getting single tooth implants, this signals when you’re ready for the next step to restoring your smile. A healing period is necessary before any other dental procedure can be performed.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Getting dental implants starts with sedation or local anesthesia. Next, an incision is made into the gums where a screw-like post is inserted into the jawbone. This will provide a strong foundation for an artificial tooth or a dental restoration to be placed in the mouth later. The incision is then closed with sutures.
Osseointegration is a period where the bone is given time to fuse properly with the implant. Generally, this takes several months. After this healing time is complete, a custom crown is placed atop this post to complete the process and to replace the missing tooth.
How Long Do Implants Last?
When properly cared for, dental implants can last a long time. Some tips for maintaining your implants include:
Good oral hygiene
How well you care for and maintain your natural teeth will directly affect how long your implants last. Brush at least twice daily and floss regularly for optimal oral health.
Location of the implant
Implants in the back of your mouth will receive the most pressure. This means that these implants may fail sooner than others.
How you use your teeth
Never use your teeth as a tool by chewing or biting on hard objects. This can lead to a broken or chipped implant requiring a replacement, which can be costly.
Will Insurance Cover Implants?
In some instances, dental insurance may cover a portion of the implants when deemed medically necessary. The dental staff can review your coverage and discuss any expected financial obligations at a consultation before proceeding with the procedure.
Replace Missing Teeth With Single Tooth Implants
There are many reasons why people decide to get implants years after tooth extraction. At Eriks Dental Group, we offer single and multi-teeth implants, non-removable implant dentures, fixed implant dentures, hybrid prostheses, and All-on-4 implants. To schedule an appointment with our Boynton Beach dentist, call our office at 561-733-4004.