Single Tooth

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

Benefits of an all-ceramic crown on implant:
When a tooth is deemed hopeless and requires its removal, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This option looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

In this case, a so-called one-piece implant is used. This means that all components are installed as a single unit, resulting in immediately full functioning teeth, shorter treatment time and minimized discomfort.

• Immediately functioning teeth
• Excellent esthetic result
• Life long, stable solution

Treatment:
This procedure normally includes four visits to the dentist;  one long appointment and three shorter ones. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant installed. 

COURSE OF TREATMENT

INSTALLING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1: Before the procedure The dentist makes a first examination and takes one or more films of the area to prepare for the procedure.	2: Installing the implant The implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you eat and function like normal almost immediately.  The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.

3: Attaching the new crown The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth. The new tooth is installed for life. No additional treatment is needed.	4: End result You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean and

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ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON IMPLANT

	Tooth-supported fixed bridge A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone shrinkage in where the missing teeth are, and otherwise healthy teeth are sacrificed for the sake of anchoring a bridge.  Furthermore, a bridge is dependent on natural teeth so when these natural teeth fail due to severe decay or a failed root canal procedure, the bridge fails too.
	Removable partial denture This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort.  Eating is not enjoyable when food gets underneath the plastic  portion.  A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits, while very few, exists: adjacent teeth aren't affected.  It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap.
	Resin-bonded bridge This is another alternative that is not permanent since it will eventually come off and will have to be re-cemented.  It will not preserve the bone where the tooth is missing and will result in a less than ideal aesthetic situation.  This alternative has some clear advantages too: it is quickly installed and adjacent natural healthy teeth aren't as severely affected as a tooth-supported fixed bridge.