Single Tooth Replacement

Replacing a missing or failing single tooth with an implant has great benefits over the alternative options of a bridge or denture.

• Implants look function and feel like real teeth
• Permanent. You do not remove them at night
• Implants do not suffer hot and cold sensitivity
• Implants preserve bone by replacing the tooth root
• Never loose and uncomfortable like a denture
• No damage to adjacent teeth as caused by a bridge
• Excellent cosmetic result often impossible to tell the difference between implants and real teeth

The treatment is very quick (taking less time in the chair than a crown or root treatment), will be virtually pain free, and the recovery is straightforward – we expect less discomfort than one would expect from an extraction.

You will not be left with a gap during any stage of treatment. Sometimes we can place the implant and build the crown onto the implant on the same day that the tooth is removed. You may have heard this called ‘teeth in an hour’, or ‘same day teeth’.

The final outcome can be a replacement tooth that looks, feels and functions like one of your own teeth. You simply have to clean using standard tooth brushing and flossing techniques.

There is no reason a successful, well maintained implant should not last a lifetime. The titanium structure and design of the implants we use is especially strong to withstand the forces of chewing.

Compare this to a bridge attached to the adjacent teeth – your dentist will have to cut down the teeth which shortens the expected lifespan. This, with the increased load they now bear, reduces bridges to perhaps a 8-12 year survival!

A denture is always uncomfortable, can similarly damage the adjacent teeth and gums, will become loose after a period of time and has to be removed at night time.

It is important to replace missing or failing teeth as with less teeth on which to chew, the stresses on the remaining teeth increase and limit the lifespan. Unopposed teeth can change position and interfere with the way you bit and chew, so causing further damage in the future.