Missing One Tooth

Implant Placement Procedures

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

If you have only one missing tooth, a dental crown on a dental implant is probably your best choice.

Like the natural root, a dental implant provides the foundation for a dental crown, in this case a new all-ceramic dental crown. A Nobel Biocare all-ceramic dental crown on a dental implant looks and functions very much like the missing tooth did.

 

STEP-BY-STEP COURSE OF TREATMENT

Examination Visit:

The first step is to visit your dentist for an examination and to discuss your individual solution options.

The first step to your new teeth is an examination of your current situation by your dentist. During the examination, you may be presented with the option to follow a conventional process or a state-of-the-art guided process to place your single dental implant.

Preparation Phase:

The second step is the preparation phase, where your dentist will plan the next steps of the process. Here, your dentist will gain insight into how your dental implant will be placed.

Conventional Process: Under the conventional process, your dentist will take x-rays to see how your jawbone looks to determine the position for placing the dental implant. Often an impression will be taken of your current teeth and jawbone.

Guided Process: Under the guided process, your dentist uses a computerized tomography (CT) scan, or a model of your jawbone, to plan your entire dental procedure before it begins. Keyhole surgery is used to place the dental implant. This minimally invasive technique reduces the healing time traditionally experienced in the conventional process, as well as the need for stitches, a significant amount of swelling, and much of the discomfort arising when your dental implants are placed using conventional methods.

Implant Placement Visit:

This is the step where your dentist will place the dental implant in your jaw. 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.

Conventional Process: Under the conventional process, you'll undergo the following:

- You'll receive local anesthesia

- Your dentist will place your dental implant

- Your dentist will place a temporary tooth to your dental implant, so you can eat during the healing process

- At the same time, your dentist may take an impression from which your final tooth will be made

Guided Process: Under the keyhole method, you'll undergo the following:

- You'll receive local anesthesia

- Using the surgical guide and keyhole surgery, your dentist will then place your dental implant

Once placed, your dentist will place a temporary tooth and take an impression for your final all-ceramic crown.

Enjoying Your New Smile!

You'll return once more to your dentist to have your final tooth placed and leave with your beautiful new smile. 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 healthy.

Conventional Process: After your dentist has determined that your gums have sufficiently healed you'll return to have your final tooth fitted and cemented. Your dentist will ensure that your bite is correct and you're pleased with the results.

Guided Process: You'll return to your dentist and have your custom-made all-ceramic crown fitted.