Single Implants in Atwell & Cockburn, The Key to a Full Set of Teeth

A single-tooth implant restores the full functionality of the missing tooth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence again. Here’s an overview of how it works to restore your smile.

• Foundation with the implant post.
  A single dental implant is placed underneath the gums, directly into the jawbone. It’s positioned precisely where your missing tooth was and acts as an artificial root.
• Healing and integration.
  Over several months, a natural process called osseointegration occurs, where your jawbone fuses with the implant post. This integration is key for stability and mimics the strength of a natural tooth root.
• Purpose of the abutment.
  Once the post is securely integrated, a connector piece called an abutment attaches on top of it. This component serves as a connector between the implant post and the replacement tooth.
• Placement of custom-made dental crowns.
  The visible part of a single-tooth implant is a dental crown, which the dentist affixes onto the abutment after meticulously crafting it to resemble your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size. The crown can then blend seamlessly with your smile.

A consultation with a dental professional can help you further understand the process of this restorative option.

Choosing a single dental implant provides a wide array of benefits. Including the following:

• Natural-looking and feeling.
  The materials used for dental implants can look, feel, and function like natural, healthy teeth. They are visually appealing and won’t feel bulky or foreign inside your mouth, which is why many individuals choose them for tooth restoration.
• Durability and lifespan.
  Dental implants can last decades with proper dental care, often becoming a long-term tooth restoration.
• Preserves jawbone health.
  Dental implants uniquely stimulate and maintain jawbone health, preventing bone loss that often occurs with tooth loss.
• Overall oral health improvement.
  Since implants don’t require modifying neighbouring teeth, they help preserve the integrity of your remaining natural teeth.
• Implants increase comfort and confidence.
  By enduring natural biting force, they enhance oral comfort and everyday activities like eating and speaking. They help you regain your confidence during social situations.
• Simple maintenance.
  Caring for single-tooth implants is as straightforward as caring for natural teeth. Some adjustments you may need to consider are using interdental brushes, water flossers, and toothbrushes that are good for dental implants. While it requires a simple modification to your oral hygiene, it’s quite simple compared to other dental restorations.

Generally speaking, the process for a single dental implant involves several dentist appointments spread over a few weeks or months. You can expect three to six visits to the dental clinic to complete every stage of the procedure. The following list below are the common phases of getting a single tooth replacement:

• Dental implant consultation.
  The process begins with a consultation with the dentist, during which they will discuss your case, recommend treatment options, and perform a dental examination.
• Preparatory dental work.
  Followed by additional dental procedures, such as bone graft, sinus lift, or tooth extraction. The need for any of these treatments depends on your unique case.
• Placement of the single implant.
  Once you’ve been determined suitable for the treatment and are ready, your dentist will schedule the dental implant surgery.
• Osseointegration process.
  The jawbone commonly takes two to six months to bond and heal around the implant post.
• Abutment placement.
  After the jawbone heals, you will visit the dentist for implant abutment placement. Then, they will take impressions for your crown and transfer them to the dental lab. You will need to wait for a few days or weeks.
• Attaching the dental crown.
  You will come back to your dentist to install your dental crown.

The specific number of appointments can vary, as it is patient-based. Some individuals have unique healing times, and the waiting period for dental crown fabrication may also differ. It’s recommended to consult with your dentist for a precise schedule.

The healing time for a single dental implant generally ranges from three to six months. This period allows for osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone. However, individual healing times can vary based on factors like overall health and the specific location of the tooth implant. Attending follow-up appointments with your dental professional will help monitor the healing process.

Your dentist at Atwell Smiles Dental will provide an estimated duration of your recovery periods for dental implants.

When you undergo a dental implant procedure, comfort is a key focus. Dentists are trained in various sedation methods to ensure your ease during the treatment. With advancements in dental implant techniques, the process has become more patient-friendly. These improvements, combined with gentle sedation, make the experience more comfortable.

If you have specific concerns about the procedure or sedation methods, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your dentist, who can provide tailored information and reassurance.

Caring for your single dental implant is straightforward. Here are some tips:

• Brush your teeth twice daily.
  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush around the implant and your natural teeth. This will prevent plaque buildup.
• Floss regularly.
  Special flosses designed for implants can help clean around the implant and under the crown. Flossing is crucial to remove debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
• Choose low-abrasive toothpaste.
  Avoid toothpaste with abrasive components that can scratch the surface of the implant crown.
• Routine dental check-ups.
  Regular visits to your dentist are essential for professional cleaning and to ensure the implant remains in good condition.
• Be mindful of your eating habits.
  Be cautious with hard and sticky foods. Chewing ice, hard candies, or other tough foods can damage the crown.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
  Smoking can impede healing and impact the durability of your implant. Limit alcohol consumption as it can affect the healing process.
• Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash.
  A gentle, alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash can help keep the area around your implant clean and free of harmful bacteria.

While single dental implants are generally safe, like any procedure, there are some associated risks:

• Infection at the implant site.
  Though rare, infection where the implant is placed is possible. It can occur due to bacteria during or after surgery. Following strict oral hygiene and your dentist’s post-operative care advice can significantly reduce this risk.
• Nerve damage concerns.
  In a few cases, the implant can impinge on nerves. It might lead to temporary or, in rare instances, permanent numbness or tingling in the gums, lips, or chin.
• Sinus complications in upper jaw implants.
  There’s a slight risk that an implant in the upper jaw may protrude into the sinus cavity. This is more likely if the bone height in that area is insufficient.
• Potential for implant failure.
  Occasionally, the jawbone may not integrate fully with the implant, a problem known as implant failure. It can be due to poor bone quality, incorrect placement, or excessive stress on the implant.
• Gum recession and aesthetic issues.
  In some instances, the gums around the implant may recede over time, potentially exposing the metal abutment and affecting the implant’s appearance.
• Bone loss around the implant.
  There’s a slight chance of bone loss around the implant, usually due to infection or excessive force.

These risks can vary in likelihood and severity based on individual circumstances, such as overall health, oral hygiene, and the specific techniques used. It is essential to discuss these concerns in detail with your dental professional, who can evaluate your individual risk factors and provide personalised guidance.

Yes, eating is generally safe after a single dental implant, but starting with soft foods is important. The following list contains some essential tips to guide you:

• Soft Fruits:
  Bananas, peaches, or melons are easy to consume and nutritious.
• Protein Sources:
  Softly cooked fish, tofu, or scrambled eggs offer essential nutrients without straining the implant site.
• Vegetables:
  Steamed vegetables like carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes are soft yet nutritious.
• Grains and Cereals:
  Soft-cooked rice, pasta, or oatmeal are comforting and easy to eat.
• Dairy:
  Yogurt and cottage cheese provide protein and are gentle in your mouth.

During the initial days post-implant, avoiding spicy foods and seeds that might irritate or lodge near the implant site is also advisable. Gradually, as your mouth heals, you can reintroduce firmer foods, always paying attention to your comfort and the guidance your dentist provides.

Remember, these guidelines are meant to aid your recovery. Always follow your dentist’s dietary advice after implant surgery for the optimal recovery outcome.

Yes, a single dental implant can indeed help prevent jawbone loss.

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in the missing tooth area can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation (chewing and biting force). A dental implant replaces the root of the missing tooth, providing necessary stimulation to the jawbone. This stimulation encourages bone growth and helps maintain the bone’s strength and density. Therefore, by choosing a dental implant, you restore your smile’s appearance and function and support your jawbone’s health.

A single dental implant positively affects the surrounding teeth. Unlike bridges, which may require altering adjacent teeth, an implant is a standalone dental restoration. It doesn’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support, which helps to preserve their structure and integrity.

Additionally, filling the gap of a lost tooth helps prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of place, which is essential in maintaining overall dental alignment and bite. This makes dental implants a beneficial option for both the replaced tooth and the health of your surrounding teeth.

A bone graft procedure involves adding bone or a bone substitute to your jawbone. It’s needed when your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support a dental implant. This might be due to bone loss after tooth extraction, gum disease, or natural bone thinness.

During the procedure, the dentist places new bone material where needed, creating a solid foundation for the implant post. Over time, this new bone fuses with your existing jawbone, strengthening it. This dental treatment is crucial for a successful single tooth replacement that lasts for years.

The need for a bone graft varies, so we recommend consulting your dentist. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your jawbone’s condition and advise accordingly.

There are providers that offer dental benefits for a single-tooth implant under an ‘extras health fund policy.’This means that if you have dental extras, you’re more likely to be eligible for dental cover. However, every health fund has a unique policy. Some may require waiting periods or specific conditions for dental implant cover. Always check with your preferred provider to know the extent of cover for dental implants under your plan.

At Atwell Smiles Dental, we are here to help you understand how health funds work. Please call us for more information.