Single Tooth Implant
Restoring your mouth with a dental implant is accomplished
in two phases. The first phase of the procedure is the
surgical placement of the implant. After several months
of healing, the implant is securely attached to the bone
and the second phase begins. The healing cap or temporary
crown is removed, new attachments are placed, and your
new crown is made.
The first phase
For the surgical placement of the implant, your
mouth will be thoroughly numbed. An incision is made in
your gums and a channel is made in the bone to receive
the implant. After the implant is snugly in place, a temporary
crown or healing cap is placed. Over the next few months,
the implant becomes securely attached to the bone.
The second phase
The second phase starts with removal of the temporary
crown or healing cap. A new attachment is placed to support
the final crown. We then start a series of appointments
to make your new crown. Though some of the steps might
be different in your case, they usually include making
impressions of your mouth. From these impressions, we
make precise working models of your mouth, which are carefully
mounted for proper alignment. It’s on these models
that your restoration is fabricated. The last step is
the placement of your new crown. The success of your implant
depends on your care of the implant at home, and our support
through regular checkups and cleanings here in our office.
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 |
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| Implant in place |
Attaching new tooth |
Implant in place |
Immediate Placement
In the past, one of the disadvantages to replacing a missing
tooth with an implant was the long waiting period, which
lasted for many months. First, we had to wait for the
bone to heal where the tooth was removed, and then we
had to wait for the implants to securely attach to the
bone. Only then, after several months, could we place
a temporary or permanent crown. Fortunately, new technological
advances and techniques now make it possible, in many
cases, to place an implant and a temporary crown immediately
— both on the same day a tooth is removed!.
The first phase of the procedure
During the first appointment, we make sure your mouth
is thoroughly numb, and then we remove the tooth. We then
make a channel in the base of the extraction site or reshape
the extraction site to receive the implant. An extension
is attached to the implant, and we then fabricate a temporary
crown, which is cemented in place over the implant. Finally,
we carefully adjust the temporary crown to make sure your
bite is comfortable. You should maintain a soft diet and
avoid chewing on the temporary crown during the next several
months, while the implant becomes securely attached to
the bone.
The second phase of the procedure
The next phase begins with the removal of the temporary
crown, followed by a series of appointments to make your
new, permanent crown. Though the process varies from patient
to patient, in most cases we will make an impression of
your mouth. From these impressions, we make precise working
models of your mouth, which are carefully mounted for
proper alignment. It’s on these models that your
permanent crown is fabricated. The last step is the placement
of your new crown. The success of your implant then depends
on your care of the implant at home, and our support through
regular checkups and cleanings here in our office.
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 |
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| The implant is placed |
The implant anchors the
new tooth |
The final result |
Alternatives to Implants
What are your alternatives to implants
when replacing missing teeth? 
When you're missing one or more teeth, you have several
alternatives to implants:
• Partial dentures
• Bridges
• Full dentures
• Delay treatment
Partial dentures
If you have some remaining teeth, then a partial denture
may be an alternative to implants.
A partial denture is held in place by clips or special
attachments. It can do a nice job of replacing missing
teeth.
Bridges
A bridge might also be an alternative if you have remaining
teeth. There are several types of bridges, but, unlike
an implant, they all use the neighboring teeth as anchors.
Full denture
If you now wear a denture, then replacing or relining
it may allow you to continue to use your denture.
Delay treatment
Delaying a decision is always an alternative. However,
delaying treatment for long can be a risky alternative
after teeth have been lost. Teeth need each other for
support. Replacing teeth can prevent a chain reaction
of problems that can affect your entire mouth. When a
tooth is lost, the biting force changes on the teeth next
to the space, and they begin to shift. When a tooth no
longer has anything to chew against, it can begin to extrude
out of its socket. As your bite changes, your jaw joint
may be damaged. And it's much harder to clean teeth that
have shifted, so harmful plaque and tartar can accumulate,
causing cavities and periodontal disease.
Homecare
—After Implant Surgery
How to care for your new implant After implants have been
placed, it’s important to follow these recommendations
during the healing period:
General care
To control minor bleeding after surgery, apply moderate
pressure with gauze pads or a clean, moist tea bag
wrapped in a gauze pad.
If you usually wear removable appliances, such as dentures
or partial dentures, we may advise you not to wear
them while the implant sites heal.
Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed.
To reduce discomfort or swelling for several days after
surgery, use ice packs. It’s normal for your gums
to be sore and swollen for several days. Beginning 24
hours after surgery, rinse your mouth three times a day
for two weeks with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon
of salt per glass of warm water. Swish very gently so
you don’t disturb the implant sites.
Chewing and eating
Avoid chewing until the numbness from the anesthetic has
completely worn off. If we placed any temporary restorations,
avoid chewing for at least one half-hour to allow the
temporary cement to set. Limit your diet to soft foods
like yogurt, cottage cheese, soups, softcooked eggs, and
ground meat for the first several months after surgery.
Do not chew hard, crusty foods. Also avoid very hot or
spicy foods until your gums are healed.
Homecare —After
Implant Restoration
How to care for the new restoration on your implant After
final restorations have been placed, it’s important
to follow these recommendations to ensure long-term success:
Chewing and eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing
until the numbness has completely worn off. Avoid hard
chewing and grinding because these habits can damage implants
and their restorations. If this is a continuing problem,
we may need to adjust the restorations or have you wear
a nightguard.
Brushing and flossing
Brush and floss around the implants thoroughly but gently.
We may also recommend special floss, brushes, mouth rinses,
or other cleaning aids to keep the area free of bacteria.
Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed.
To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth
three times a day with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon
of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for
your gums to be sore and swollen for a few days.
About tobacco
Avoid using any tobacco products. Ideally, you should
quit altogether because using tobacco increases the risk
that your body will reject the implants.
When to call us
Call us if your restorations feel loose so that we can
tighten them. Call our office if you have persistent discomfort
or if you have any other questions or concerns.
