Frisco Single Tooth Implant

Losing a tooth is never pleasant, but solutions exist to restore your smile. The most effective and lasting solution is a single tooth implant. An implant replacement tooth can last for decades and look and function like a natural tooth.

What Is a Single Tooth Implant?

A single tooth implant is a dental procedure to replace a missing tooth. Dr. Stamboulieh surgically places a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement root. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a crown is attached to the post, mimicking a natural tooth’s look, feel, and function.

Do I Have to Replace a Missing Tooth?

No, you do not have to, but if you do not, it will negatively affect your oral health in several ways. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone can deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. Implants provide the necessary stimulation to maintain bone density. The gap from a missing tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to misalignment and bite issues.

Even a single missing tooth can impair your chewing and speaking ability. A single dental implant restores can help you to eat and speak comfortably. Finally, a missing tooth can affect your appearance. Rightly or wrongly, others may judge you negatively if you have a missing tooth. A single tooth implant can restore your smile and boost your self-confidence.

The Single Tooth Implant Process, Step-by-Step

1. Initial Consultation: During this visit, Dr. Stamboulieh evaluates your oral health, takes X-rays, and discusses your options.
2. Implant Placement: Dr. Stamboulieh surgically places the titanium post into your jawbone. This is a painless procedure performed using a local anesthetic, sometimes in conjunction with some form of sedation, depending on your comfort level. The surgery for a single implant usually takes about an hour.
3. Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This provides a stable foundation for the crown.
4. Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment (a connector piece) is attached to the implant.
5. Crown Placement: Finally, a custom-made crown is attached to the abutment, completing the restoration.

 What to Expect After Getting a Single Tooth Implant

After the implant procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort and swelling, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. We may also prescribe pain medication if needed. Dr. Stamboulieh or a member of his dental care team will provide you with detailed post-op instructions. Following these aftercare instructions is important to ensure a full and comfortable recovery. Some of the instructions will include:

• Eating soft foods for a few days.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent infection.
• Keeping all follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress and ensure there are no signs of infection or implant rejection.
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can hinder the healing process.

Benefits of Getting a Single Tooth Implant

A single tooth implant offers many advantages over alternative methods, including:

Natural Appearance and Comfort

The implant feels so natural you may forget it isn’t your natural tooth. No one around you will see anything but a lovely, natural-looking smile, enhancing your confidence and comfort.

Convenience

Unlike a removable bridge that needs to be taken out for cleaning and may slip or pop out, a single tooth implant offers the convenience of regular brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth, providing a stress-free experience.

Better Oral Health

A single tooth implant does not disturb the remaining teeth, unlike a dental bridge that must be held in place by the teeth on either side, which must be ground down to support their respective crowns. This ensures that your other teeth remain in place and will not shift out of alignment, promoting better oral health.

Single tooth implants are an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, long-lasting solution to a missing tooth. If you’re considering a single tooth implant, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stamboulieh to discuss your options and learn more about the process. We can be reached at Legacy Implant and Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 214-387-4900.

Single Tooth Implant Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are used to make a single tooth implant?

The implant that is placed in the jawbone to replace the tooth root is usually made of titanium; a biocompatible material often used for joint replacements. The crown of the replacement tooth may be made of a variety of materials, but it is usually porcelain or ceramic.

Can I get a single tooth implant on the same day my tooth is extracted?

In most situations, we can extract a damaged or decayed tooth and immediately place the titanium implant, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Will I need bone grafting?

If your jawbone is strong and you have sufficient bone density, you should not need a bone graft. However, if your tooth has been missing for a significant length of time or your jawbone doesn’t have enough mass to support the implant, you may need bone grafting to build up the area before you can have an implant placed.

Will I be without a tooth during osseointegration?

No. While your jawbone fuses around the titanium implant, you will receive a temporary crown to give you a complete smile while waiting for your customized crown to be fabricated.

If you have more questions we have not covered here, please get in touch with our office at Legacy Implant and Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 214-387-4900 for more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stamboulieh.