Single Tooth Replacement
A dental implant is the treatment of choice for most patients who want to replace one missing tooth, whether it is missing because of trauma, periodontal disease, or decay.
When replacing one missing tooth, a dental implant is placed in the site. At the Cholakis Dental Implant Centre, this procedure is done by our periodontist or restorative dentist with sedation to ensure maximum comfort. The dental implant acts to take the place of the root of the missing tooth. An abutment (a post) is attached to the implant, and then on top of the abutment the replacement tooth is cemented. The replacement tooth resembles a natural tooth in function and esthetics.
Only one appointment needed
Traditionally, the process of replacing one missing tooth with a dental implant would require many appointments and take over a year, from start to finish. At the Cholakis Dental Implant Centre, we use a technique called Immediate Function that allows us to give most patients their implant and replacement tooth in one day. This eliminated the need for multiple appointments and a temporary tooth. We use 3D CAT scan technology to treatment plan your specific case. Utilizing this technology with all our colleagues under one roof along with our on-site laboratory technician enables us to provide a replacement tooth at the same appointment as implant placement in many instances.
Compare traditional bridges and dentures to dental implants
Dental implants are a successful way to replace one missing tooth and eliminate the shortcomings of a bridge or dentures. With a traditional bridge healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth need to be ground down. With a partial denture, metal clasps must fit around the healthy remaining teeth. With dental implants, the healthy adjacent teeth are untouched. Also, dental implants are anchored in your jaw, so there is no movement or slipping which can occur with dentures.
Preserving Bone
Every time you bite, your natural teeth stimulate the bone around them, maintaining the bone's integrity. After a tooth is lost, it is natural for bone loss to occur due to the lack of stimulation. A dental implant preserves bone in the site of the missing tooth, and also can prevent shrinking of gum tissue in this site. Crowns, bridges, and dentures cannot prevent bone loss.
Longevity
Dental implants are easier for you to keep clean when compared to a bridge. The teeth beside the implant are not connected to the implant, and there is access to clean between the implant and adjacent teeth with a toothbrush and floss. Furthermore, a dental implant cannot get a cavity, and provides a long-term method of restoring a missing tooth. If properly cared for, a dental implant may last a lifetime.