One missing tooth can lead to issues such as difficulty chewing food, teeth shifting, and bone loss. It can even raise your chances of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
Dr. Leah Romay is an expert dentist in Glyndon, MD that can place a single dental implant to replace a missing tooth. When you compare this option to a dental bridge, the single dental implant is better for your oral health and is similar to a natural tooth.
If you have one missing tooth, there are three replacement options – an implant-supported crown, a dental bridge, or not replacing the tooth. Doing nothing can be uncomfortable and is less than ideal for your dental health. The missing space may cause adjacent teeth to shift, creating a traumatic bite and TMJ disorders.
A dental bridge is a suitable option but requires permanently altering healthy teeth to accommodate the prosthesis. It will also put extra stress on the adjacent teeth. The best choice is a single dental implant.
SINGLE DENTAL IMPLANT
A single dental implant will completely replace your tooth from the root up. This provides you with the ultimate solution as it offers you full function, beautiful aesthetics, and maintains bone levels.
As every case is unique, the process will differ for each person and each tooth. The first step in any implant placement is a thorough examination with Dr. Romay. Once a treatment plan is established, we will capture your dental records and schedule you for either tooth extraction with grafting, implant placement with grafting, or a combination of the two. After ensuring the implant is fully integrated with a new 3D digital radiograph, we will fabricate a screw-retained, porcelain prosthetic crown.
HOW LONG DOES THE DENTAL IMPLANTS PROCESS TAKE?
Every patient will have a unique dental implant experience. The dental implant process includes taking records, removing the tooth, preparing the site, placing the implant, fabricating the crown, and inserting the crown. Simple cases can take as little as 5 months, while more complex cases may take up to 12 months. On average, the implant process lasts around 8 months.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THE MISSING SPACE DURING IMPLANT HEALING?
When missing a visible tooth, it can be difficult to feel confident when you smile. If desired, we offer different cosmetic appliances that may be worn temporarily while waiting for the site to heal. The most commonly utilized option is called an essix. This is a plastic tray, like an Invisalign tray, that has tooth-colored paint in place of the missing tooth. Other options if you require extended healing time include an interim partial and a temporary Maryland Bridge.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY IMPLANT-SUPPORTED CROWN?
A dental crown that is secured with an implant is very easy to take care of. Simply brush twice a day and floss daily as you normally do with natural teeth.
Also, visiting our Glyndon, MD dentist office for routine, preventative care will help ensure that your implant remains healthy.
Call our Glyndon, MD office today to learn more about a single dental implant. To request an appointment, call our dental practice at 410.220.4680 or use our convenient online form.