Single-Tooth Implants in Milwaukee
When one or more teeth are extracted, it's important to have these teeth replaced to protect your oral health. Replacement options include partial dentures, fixed partial dentures (also referred to as bridges), or dental implants. Of course, leaving the area without a tooth replacement is an option. However, it can lead to significant changes in your bite and appearance and is not usually recommended. As you are making your consultation appointment at Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, here is some information that will help explain what a dental implant is and how it works.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a tooth replacement option that is as close to a natural tooth as we have available in our armamentarium. The dental implant process has two separate but intertwined processes. The first is replacing the root structure (or the foundation), and the other is replacing the crown structure (or the functional/esthetic) component. At Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we will replace the tooth's root by placing a dental implant in an area as close as possible to where the root of the missing tooth was. After 2-4 months of allowing the implant to fuse with the bone, Dr. Khader and her team will ensure that the implant is where it needs to be and is doing well. Then Dr. Khader will ask your restorative dentist to replace the crown. The crown attaches to the implant via a central component called an abutment. The crown is either screwed in with the abutment or cemented with dental glue onto the abutment.
Implant Placement Uncovered Implant
Anterior Single Tooth Abutment
Anterior Single Tooth Final
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants become anchors in the bone. The implant fuses with the bone, becoming part of the body. This will enable it to have a crown or bridge using the implant as an anchor. The osseointegration technology has been around for years and has proven successful in function and aesthetics.
Dental Implant Benefits
Dental implants provide a fixed replacement for missing teeth; that means that the teeth don't come out of the mouth. Another benefit is that dental implants don't require adjacent teeth to be shaved down or used as anchors. In other words, a dental implant provides a replacement of a missing tooth without compromising the long term health of the adjacent teeth. Teeth implants improve function and appearance while sparing the adjacent teeth from any trauma.
What Is the Single-Tooth Implant Procedure Like?
At Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation and Imaging: Using 3D imaging technology, intraoral scanning, and digital photographs, Dr. Khader evaluates your oral health, bite, and jaw structure to create a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Khader will listen to your concerns as she and her team formulate your personalized plan.
- Implant Placement: The dental implant is surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw (where the tooth is missing). The dental implant will fuse over time with the jawbone to provide a stable foundation. Once placed, a healing abutment is placed onto the implant. This will allow the gum tissue and the tissue around the implant to heal as well. *
- Healing Period: Over the next few months, the implant integrates with your bone for long-term stability. On average, the upper implants are left for 4 months to heal (also called integration period), and the lower implants are left for 2 months to heal.
- Crown Placement: A custom crown is attached, completing your natural-looking smile. This part is completed at your restorative dentist’s office. Dr. Khader communicates closely with your dentist throughout the process.
* Dr. Khader may suggest the use of a customized healing abutment that will improve the overall longevity and esthetic outcome of the dental implant.
Why Are Single-Tooth Implants the Best Choice for Missing Teeth?
Dental implants represent the closest possible replacement to natural teeth! Why?
- Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Natural Appearance: A properly designed and executed dental implant and dental implant crown produces a natural appearing tooth matching surrounding teeth.
- Improved Oral Health: Once your implant work is complete (implant placed, integrated/healed, and a crown placed), you will be able to chew and function as you did prior to losing the tooth.
- Functionality: Enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling without worry and without pain.
How Long Does It Take to Get Single-Tooth Implants?
The length of your treatment will vary. It could take anywhere from two months, to over a year an a half. Some of the determining factors including: whether or not the tooth we are replacing is still present, is there sufficient good bone that will serve as a foundation for the implant (is there need for bone grafting), which jaw are we working on (upper or low jaw), and many other factors.
For instance, if your lower molar tooth is broken and needs to be extracted, we may be able to remove the tooth and place an implant immediately. Then you will likely be able to get your final crown about three months from the date we remove the tooth and place the implant. However, if we remove the tooth and find that the area requires bone grafting, then we'd need to wait 3-4 months after grafting to place an implant. Then the implant needs to undergo osseointegration (or fusing). This entire process could then be about 8-10 months. If teeth have been missing for many years, and extensive bone grafting is needed, that will require six months of healing, after which we will need to place the implants and wait another 4-6 months of recovery. In this case, you are looking at about a year.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With good oral hygiene habits, dental implants should last a lifetime. However, these implants require attention just like natural teeth (if not more). If teeth are affected by gum disease, or if the soft tissue coverage of the implant is not ideal, the implant could fail.
Can I Eat Normally with a Single-Tooth Implant?
Yes! Single-tooth implants are designed to function like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restriction. However, we continue to recommend practicing reason upon chewing, as dental materials will fatigue and fracture if used inappropriately just as natural teeth would. Eating hard candy for instance, or chewing on pens, nails, etc. will cause damage to the implant and surrounding natural teeth.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dr. Khader will consider a number of factors when she offers dental implants as a treatment options: General health, overall oral health, and oral health maintenance and oral hygiene. Additional items include anatomic structure, risks vs. benefit analysis, and periodontal disease.
What Is the Recovery Time After Getting a Single-Tooth Implant?
With the aid of robotic technology, return to work can be expected the day of the procedure, or the next day. Your initial healing period is approximately 1 week where care should be exercised when eating or brushing. After that, your implant will undergo what we call an osseointegration phase. This can be anywhere from 2-4 months (longer in certain conditions).
During the osseointegration period, you will be asked to refrain from eating harder foods on the dental implant site allowing it the stability required to integrate.
Will the Implant Match the Color of My Natural Teeth?
Absolutely! The crown is custom-designed to match the shade, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance.
What Materials Are Used in Single-Tooth Implants?
- Dental Implant: Biocompatible and integrates naturally with the jawbone. These are either titanium or ceramic implants.
- Abutment: Made of titanium or ceramic for durability. Think about this as the connection between the dental implant and the crown. During your healing period, you will have a temporary healing abutment in place (preferably customized).
- Crown: Your dentist will decide on the material to use for the crown. Materials used include ceramics and gold.
Am I a Candidate for a Single-Tooth Implant?
If you’re missing a tooth and looking for a natural-looking, durable replacement, you may be a candidate for a single-tooth implant. Ideal candidates:
- Have sufficient jawbone density for implant placement.
- Adequate bone levels (Height and width).
- Are in good overall health (or have stable medical conditions).
- Are committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
- Are in good oral health with no significant areas of decay or periodontal disease.
- Are non-smokers or willing to stop smoking during the healing process.
Not sure if you qualify? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Khader to explore your options.
Why Choose Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery strives to provide the best experience and results possible. We work diligently to communicate with your general dentist to ensure that what we do is aligned with what is needed restoratively. We use 3D CT scans and merge them with camera-generated teeth impressions. This will allow us to identify the best position for the future single-tooth implant with no guesswork.
Once the position of the implant is determined, our team will input the plan into the robotic dental implant arm's software. As a result, surgery time is reduced, and the outcome is as precise as possible.
Outside of technology, we also look at the mouth as a whole. We evaluate the needs of the entire patient and not just the tooth. We listen to our patients and allow as much time for discussion and questions as possible. Lastly, once we place an implant, we always follow up with the patient closely. We make sure that we see our patients not just after the implant is placed but also after the crown is placed. This will allow us to detect any concerns before they become problems.
To learn more about how a single-tooth implant could benefit you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Khader and her trusted team today!
Call 414-810-1707 to schedule an appointment.
