Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provides expert implant dentistry services to patients with missing teeth. Dr. Josh Heinsheimer can provide you with a single dental implant in Leland, NC if you have a missing tooth. You can expect a natural appearance, superior functionality, and long-term durability by choosing a single dental implant over a dental bridge.
What is a Single Dental Implant?
A single dental implant is a modern way to replace a missing tooth. It is a prosthetic tooth replacement that mimics the structure of a natural tooth. It does not rely on adjacent teeth for support like a dental bridge. It is made up of three main parts: the implant, the abutment, and the dental crown. It is most often called an implant-supported crown.
A dentist or oral surgeon will surgically place the titanium implant post in the jawbone. It will fully integrate with the bone over the next few months and be very stable. The implant then mimics the functionality of a tooth root, creating a secure foundation for the dental restoration.
Your dentist will attach the abutment to the implant post. This piece will connect the implant and the dental crown. Finally, we will secure the permanent dental crown. It will be fabricated from molds and custom-designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Single Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge
Most people who are missing a tooth can replace it with a dental bridge or an implant-supported crown. While both options will provide you with a tooth replacement option that will fill in the blanks in your smile, a single dental implant stands out for its greater longevity and convenience.
Unlike an implant-supported crown, a dental bridge requires the support of adjacent teeth. Your dentist will file down these teeth and cap them with dental crowns to hold the dental bridge in place. The process compromises the health and integrity of the adjacent teeth in the long run.
In contrast, a single dental implant does not require the use of any healthy, remaining teeth. The teeth surrounding the gap will remain intact, preserving their natural structure and reducing the risk of complications.
Another benefit of a single dental implant is its longevity. With proper care and maintenance, the dental implant can last a lifetime, making it a long-term, cost-effective solution compared to a dental bridge. The bridge will require repair and replacement often especially since the underlying bone will shrink due to lack of stimulation, causing the fit to change.
The dental implant will replace the missing tooth root providing the underlying bone with stimulation to regenerate. This prevents bone loss and maintains the overall health and structure of your smile.
Am I a Candidate for an Implant-Supported Crown?
Dr. Josh Heinsheimer will assess your oral health to determine if you are a suitable candidate. We may need to take X-rays, review your medical history, and take dental impressions. The implant procedure involves oral surgery therefore you must be in good overall health.
Gum and jawbone health also play a key role since both will help support the dental implant. If the jawbone is not dense enough, the implant fixture will fail. A bone graft may be necessary if you have suffered from bone loss. Likewise, gum disease can lead to gum recession and unhealthy gums. This will pose a threat to the success of your implants and may eliminate you as a candidate.
While age is typically not a factor in qualifying, patients should be done developing. For this reason, we will not consider patients less than 18 years of age for an implant-supported crown. However, there is no upper limit on age eligibility.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More about a Single Dental Implant in Leland, NC
If you are missing a tooth, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Heinsheimer. Call Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 910-519-1624 or request an appointment on our website to book your consultation.
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