Single Tooth Dental Implants

Why are dental implants important?

Healthy teeth play an important role in the body. What happens when a tooth goes missing? Your jawbone begins to atrophy, your face can begin to collapse inward & your self-esteem may begin to suffer. Simply put, nothing good comes from missing a tooth. However, a dental implant can restore the look, feel, and function of the natural tooth.

What is a single tooth implant?

A single tooth implant is made of three pieces: a titanium screw that is placed in your jawbone, a crown which is the visible part that looks like a tooth, and an abutment, or post, which connects the crown to the screw. Dr. Fort places the implant and the abutment, and your general dentist completes the treatment with a crown.

How a Dental Implant Works

Titanium, the metal that dental implants are made of, integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Biocompatibility with living bone gives dental implants the ability to fuse with your jaw. The solid attachment that results serves as an anchor for your new restoration, much like roots do for a natural tooth.

The Sooner, The Better

Your jawbone is like a muscle in that it must be stimulated regularly to maintain its volume. When a tooth is extracted or falls out, the bone in your jaw begins to atrophy immediately. In fact, studies show that there is a 25% decrease in bone width within a year of tooth loss. So, a dental implant takes the place of a natural tooth, and the movement caused by chewing provides the much-needed stimulus. The sooner an implant tooth is placed, the less likely you will need bone grafting to bulk up your jaw down the road.

How much does a single tooth implant cost?

A better question might be: What is the cost of going without a single tooth implant? While the initial cost may seem high, the money you will save down the road as your oral health and overall well-being deteriorates is much more. We have a variety of financing options, and our staff is happy to meet with you and explain your insurance guidelines when you come in for a consultation. We believe it is our job to make sure you get the smile you deserve.

Dental Implants—The Process

  1. Consultation – we gather imaging and medical and dental histories during the initial phase of the dental implant process. When you come in for a consultation, we explore your treatment options with you and make a plan that ensures that we meet your oral health goals.
  2. Extraction – we extract you tooth if you have not lost it naturally. In some cases, we can place the implant at the same time of extraction.
  3. Bone Grafting – if your tooth has been missing for some time, the target area may need to be strengthened with a bone graft. Bone grafting typically requires several months of healing before the implant can be placed.
  4. Dental Implant Surgery – during the implant procedure, we place a titanium screw into your jawbone. We administer ample anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable through the 1-hour treatment.
  5. Osseointegration – after placing the implant, we cover it with the surrounding soft tissue and let it sit for 3-4 months so that it can fuse with the bone.
  6. Final Restoration – after osseointegration is complete, we place an abutment on the implant to connect with the final crown restoration. Typically, the final restoration is done by your general dentist.

At St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we are proud to offer a safe, comfortable, and affordable dental implant experience to our patients. Call us at one of our FL office to get started on your journey today. We look forward to providing you with the support, guidance, and expertise you deserve. St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants Phone Number 727-525-5455