If one is missing a single tooth, then a single tooth implant will work it out, this means that only one implant and a crown can replace it, a dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root. A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line and the crown, which is created by the implant dentist and fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance. The titanium material used is compatible with the body and studies have shown that there is no risk of rejection since it does not react with the bone tissues.
A dental implant replaces a single tooth without affecting the functioning of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth that is known, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires adjacent teeth to be grounded down to support the cemented bridge. The implant integrates with the bone in a process called osseointergration thus keeping the bone intact unlike the use of a bridge where some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to deteriorate and wear out thus causing much more complications.
Through a surgical process, the implant which in most cases is usually made of titanium and looks like a screw or cylinder is placed into the jaw bone; note that you must have enough bone tissue for the implant to be placed, lack of which you have to undergo bone grafting. The implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to create a link for your artificial tooth, this usually takes a period of between two to six months, and a temporary tooth can be placed at the implant site. After this stage an abutment will be placed to create an extension for the new tooth to be placed.
A single tooth implant is the best option since it is easier to clean than a bridge, it also provides you with the opportunity to get that gorgeous smile back unlike bridges where the gums may recede thus exposing an unpleasant image to the public. It is without compromise that dental implants provide more lasting solutions to teeth restorations than any other form of tooth restoration procedure, under proper conditions they can last for a lifetime.