Schedule Your Appointment to Replace that Lost Tooth
Ready to replace a missing tooth? With single dental implants, you can achieve a complete smile that allows you full functionality and beauty. To get started, contact our West Sayville dentist today by calling 631-563-1583 to set up your consultation. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Sigismondi will recommend the best option for your unique situation.
With a prime location in West Sayville, our dental team proudly offers services to patients all around the area, including those in Long Island, Suffolk County, Bay Shore, and more.
What Is a Single-Tooth Dental Implant?
A single-tooth dental implant is a restorative dental procedure used to replace a missing tooth. It involves surgically placing a small titanium post (implant) into the jawbone, which acts as a substitute for the natural tooth root. After the implant is securely fused with the jawbone, a dental crown is attached to the top of the implant, resembling and functioning like a natural tooth.
With proper care and regular dental visits, single dental implants can last a lifetime and provide a natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Compared to other tooth replacement options, a single tooth implant offers improved oral health and long-term stability and is a popular choice for patients with one missing tooth, as they avoid the need for tooth extraction or altering healthy nearby teeth.
Do You Need a Single Tooth Implant?
Every patient has a unique oral health situation. You may benefit from a single tooth implant if you’re:
- Improved Aesthetics: A missing tooth can affect your smile and overall facial appearance. But a dental implant can restore your smile, enhancing your confidence and self-esteem.
- Better Functionality: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak properly. Dental implants can restore normal function, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Preserve Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone may deteriorate over time due to a lack of stimulation. A single implant helps preserve the jawbone by providing the necessary stimulation, preventing bone loss.
- Long-term solution: Unlike traditional dental bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, dental implants are independent and offer a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.
If you’re ready to determine your need for a single dental implant, contact our dental office in Long Island today.
Single-Tooth Implant Procedure
The single-tooth implant procedure typically involves several steps:
- Consultation: Our Sayville dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including X-rays and CT scans, to assess the condition of your jawbone and surrounding tissues. We’ll discuss your treatment options and address any concerns or questions you may have.
- Implant Procedure: During the first surgical appointment, the implant post, usually made of titanium, is surgically placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth once was. This procedure is performed using a local anesthetic or dental sedation to ensure your comfort. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
- Healing and osseointegration: After the implant is placed, a healing period of several months is typically required for osseointegration to occur. During this time, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone tissue, ensuring a strong and stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
- Abutment placement: Once osseointegration is complete and the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. This abutment protrudes above the gum line and serves as the attachment point for the replacement tooth.
- Placement of the dental crown: After the abutment is placed, our dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom-made dental crown that matches the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Once the crown is ready, it is securely attached to the abutment, completing the single-tooth implant restoration.
- Follow-up appointments: Dr. Sigismondi will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure the implant is functioning properly. We’ll also provide instructions on how to care for your implant and maintain good oral hygiene to maximize its longevity.
What Is the Cost of a Single Tooth Dental Implant?
On average, single dental implants cost between $1,000 and $3,000. The cost of a single-tooth dental implant can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the location of the dental clinic, and the materials used.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of time for receiving a single-tooth implant can vary, but it typically takes three to six months from start to finish.
Yes, single-tooth implants can be used for front teeth in the upper jaw. They provide patients with a natural-looking tooth replacement that can last them a lifetime.
Yes, single-tooth dental implants will feel and function like your natural teeth. They’re made to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth and are securely anchored in your jawbone, allowing for normal biting and chewing abilities.