Single Tooth Implant
Dentist Hillsboro, OR
 If you have lost a tooth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury, you can replace it with a single tooth implant. Dating back 50 years, modern-day dental implants are specially constructed to fit an individual's mouth.
A single tooth implant is easily the best option for replacing your teeth. It can restore speaking and chewing functions while also helping with your cosmetic appearance, which can greatly improve your confidence. If you are considering getting a single-tooth dental implant, schedule an appointment with Cornell Dental to find out more.
Benefits of Single Tooth Replacement
A single tooth implant can provide a wide range of benefits for those who need them and for millions of Americans who may be missing their teeth. These benefits include:
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Greatly improving your diet by helping you chew a greater variety of foods
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Dental implants mimic natural teeth, so they will enhance your speech patterns
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Helping you support appropriate biomechanics of the jaw and head
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A single tooth implant can prevent facial sagging by stimulating healthy jawbone growth and preventing further bone loss |
Did you know that the success rate of dental implants is over 95%? Dental implant failure is extremely rare, but it has been known to occur. This is why having regular dental appointments is crucial for the success of your implant.
Types of Single Tooth Replacement Options
There are three primary options for single-tooth replacement: dental implants, bridges, and removable partial dentures. Dental implants involve a metal post surgically placed in the jawbone to support a crown, offering a permanent and natural-feeling solution. Bridges use adjacent teeth as anchors to support the artificial tooth, requiring some alteration of the neighboring teeth. Removable partial dentures consist of a prosthetic tooth attached to a gum-colored base that can be easily removed for cleaning.
Single Tooth Implant Procedure
The idea behind dental implants is to mimic the natural function of real teeth. This is done by drilling a titanium alloy post into the jawbone, which provides support to a dental crown. Note that single-tooth implants require sufficient bone mass to support the implant.
Patients who don't have adequate bone mass will require a bone graft. It is common for bone loss to occur due to periodontal disease, injury, aging, and bone absorption because of missing teeth.
In most cases, the material for bone grafting comes from the patient's own bone (usually the hip, jaw, chin, or scalp) or from an animal tissue bank. It can take anywhere from three to nine months for the bone graft to fully heal. Make sure to follow your post-op instructions to heal quickly.
Comparing Implants and Bridges for Single Tooth Replacement
Dental implants and bridges are both effective options for single-tooth replacement, but they differ significantly. Implants involve inserting a metal post into the jawbone to act as a root for a crown, providing a long-lasting and natural-feeling solution.
Bridges, on the other hand, use adjacent teeth as anchors for the artificial tooth, requiring the grinding down of these healthy teeth.
Dental implants generally offer better durability and bone preservation, while bridges are less invasive and can be quicker to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Single Tooth Replacement
How Long Does it Take to Heal After Receiving a Single Tooth Implant?
In general, patients should expect to make a full recovery within three to six months after surgery. Recovery is subject to how closely the patient is able to follow post-op instructions. Initial pain and discomfort should subside within a week, following which patients may be able to return to their usual diet. Make sure to consult our specialist before making any dietary changes and for monitoring your implant.
What Foods Can I Eat After Getting a Single Tooth Implant?
You can try incorporating the following food groups into your diet to help you recover after surgery:
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Soft fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and squash
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Soups and stews to help your body get in all the nutrients it needs without straining the new implant
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Eggs are a superfood that contain just about every nutrient you could ever need, including choline, which is difficult to obtain from other food sources. Soft-boiled eggs are a good choice.
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Yogurt and cheese because they are both high in protein and calcium, which can strengthen your enamel.
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Protein drinks
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Fruit smoothies |
What Foods Should I Avoid After Getting Dental Implants?
After surgery, you will be asked to avoid the following types of foods:
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Hard foods such as candies and potato chips
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Sticky foods such as gum, cookies, and cakes that could cause the implant to become loose
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Foods laced with heavy peppers and other spices that could irritate the surgical site
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Acidic foods such as oranges and other citrus fruits
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Hot beverages such as tea and coffee |
How Do I Care for My Single Tooth Implant?
A single-tooth implant is usually very easy to care for with regular brushing and flossing. However, you should always use a soft-bristled toothbrush because it can damage the enamel on your teeth and can damage your dental implant. Hard bristles on some toothbrushes can easily damage the surface of the implants, causing irreversible damage.
Avoid using regular toothpaste; it can be highly abrasive. Instead, switch to a low-abrasive toothpaste in order to minimize the wear and tear on your dental implants.
Finally, you should floss every day in order to dislodge any food particles or plaque that may have accumulated between the teeth.
Single Tooth Implants at Cornell Dental
Need a single tooth implant? Get in touch with our experienced specialists, Dr. Anthony Adams and Dr. Adams, at Cornell Dental. Book an appointment to see if a single-tooth implant is ideal for you. Call us at (971) 397-6196 today to learn more about single-tooth implants. |
