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New Patients (410) 994-2627

Current Patients (410) 877-7900

1810 Bel Air Rd. Suite 201 Fallston, MD 21047

Single Dental Implant Fallston, MD

Having a missing tooth can be embarrassing and even an inconvenience. This is especially so if the gap is visible when you smile. But did you know that even one missing tooth can have a negative impact on your oral health? Without a tooth root, the jaw bone will begin to deteriorate, which will eventually affect the way your face is shaped.

Also, the surrounding teeth will shift towards the gap and lead to bite issues. The shifting can also make cleaning difficult in that area, leading to cavities and poor gum health.

Dr. Teddy Umo offers many treatment options to replace a single missing tooth in our Fallston dentist office. If you have a missing or damaged tooth, they will take the time to explain each treatment option to you so that you can make an informed decision.

In most cases, we will recommend a single dental implant and restore the tooth with a dental crown. A single tooth implant will look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth, especially when you compare it to other traditional replacement methods. It is the most effective substitute after you lose an important tooth.

single dental implant for missing tooth

Dental Implant Supported Crown

A dental implant is a metal screw that will support a dental crown. It is essentially a replacement for the missing tooth’s root structure. The implant is made of titanium which is a metal that is well-received by the human body. It is also lightweight yet extremely durable.

Attached to the implant post is an abutment, a small connector piece. Then connected to that is the dental crown. All three of these parts make up the replacement tooth.

The oral surgeon will place a single dental implant in the jaw bone to replace the missing root system. Dr. Umo will partner with a local Fallston, MD, oral surgeon or periodontist for this part of the process. This will require about three to six months of healing time.

Next, Dr. Umo will uncover the implant and attach the abutment (crown). Lastly, the custom made dental crown will be attached, and you’ll be left with a replacement tooth that will blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

What are my other options?

In the past, dentists would replace a single tooth with a fixed bridge or a removable partial denture. These options will not replace the root structure, and the patient’s jaw bone will slowly deteriorate over time. While these options will cost less, neither will be able to act as a natural tooth as a dental implant can.

We can also place them in as little as two to three weeks, much faster than an implant-secured dental crown.

A bridge is a fixed dental restoration that is made up of two dental crowns on both ends with the replacement tooth in between them. To accommodate a dental bridge, we will need to shave down the two adjacent teeth. You are essentially damaging two healthy teeth to replace the one missing tooth. This will also put pressure on the two adjacent teeth.

A removable partial denture can also replace a single tooth by using metal clasps that will hold the replacement tooth in place. These metal clasps, however, may be noticeable while smiling or speaking.

A partial denture is also not very durable. It can slip around in your mouth and may even fall out while speaking or eating. You will have to remove it nightly to thoroughly clean it in addition to your regular oral care routine.