Dr. Justin H. Deckard provides replacement options for patients missing a single tooth. He recommends a single dental implant because it is the most natural, highly functioning, and permanent option available today. At DC Precision Dentistry in Washington D.C., Dr. Deckard offers full services for dental implants. He has incorporated advanced technology into the implant process including the Sirona CBCT. Utilizing this technology, Dr. Deckard can produce high-quality images of soft and hard tissue. This allows him to place the implant more precisely with a less invasive procedure.
Single Dental Implant
To replace a tooth, an implant (a titanium post) is surgically placed in the jaw bone. This will support a dental crown and will also preserve the bone, preventing bone loss. The dental crown will look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. They require no special care. You can brush and floss as you normally would and simply visit our Washington D.C. dentist office every six months for a regular checkup.
Why Choose an Implant-Supported Dental Crown?
If you want a replacement tooth that functions just like a natural tooth, then an implant-supported dental crown is what you need. As the number one solution for missing teeth, dental implants offer many more benefits than your other options. Since the implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone, it will not wiggle around in your mouth and there is no risk of it falling out. It is durable enough that you do not even need to worry about eating restrictions. It also does not require the surrounding teeth to be damaged.
Your other options to replace a single missing tooth include a removable partial denture or a dental bridge. Dental bridges have been relied upon as a sturdy solution for a missing tooth for many years. But when compared to dental implants, this restoration has many downfalls. The bridgework relies on the two teeth, known as anchor teeth, on either side of the gap to support it. The anchor teeth actually have to be ground down to accommodate the bridge.
The bridge, which is made of two crowns on both ends and a piece in the middle called a pontic (the replacement tooth), is then cemented into place. This solution can eventually lead to bone loss and puts a lot of stress on the two anchor teeth.
The most economical solution to replace a missing tooth is with a partial denture. While it is the cheapest solution, it is not the most functional solution. Partials are capable of moving around in the mouth while speaking or eating. If they are not fitting correctly, they can even fall out. Partial dentures require daily that involves removing them nightly to soak in a cleaning solution. This type of restoration also needs metal clasps to stay in place and these can be easily seen when speaking or smiling.