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. At DC Precision Dentistry in Washington, D.C., Dr. Deckard offers full services for dental implants.
Dr. Deckard 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 dental implant with a less invasive procedure.
Single Dental Implants in Washington, DC
We will surgically place an implant or titanium post in the jaw bone to replace a tooth. This will support a dental crown and preserve the bone, preventing bone loss. The dental crown will look, feel, and function 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’s 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 we surgically place the implant in the jaw bone, it will not wiggle around in your mouth. There is no risk of your restoration slipping or falling out.
An implant-secured crown is durable enough that you do not even need to worry about eating restrictions. Because implants act as new tooth roots, you can eat hard, crunchy, and chewy foods once fully healed. Dental implants also do not require preparation for adjacent teeth. This means we do not need to remove any natural tooth enamel from perfectly healthy teeth for dental crowns.
Partial Dentures and Dental Bridges
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.
However, when compared to dental implants, dental bridges have 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. Then, we cement the bridge into place. Oftentimes, these teeth are healthy and undamaged. They only require preparation to accommodate the bridge.
A traditional dental bridge has two dental crowns on both ends and a piece in the middle called a pontic (the replacement tooth). This solution can eventually lead to bone loss and puts a lot of stress on the two natural anchor teeth.
A partial denture is the most economical solution to replace a missing tooth. While it is the cheapest solution, it is not the most functional. Partials are capable of moving around in the mouth while speaking or eating. If partial dentures are not fitting correctly because they are removable, they can even fall out.
Partial dentures require daily removal to soak in a cleaning solution. This type of restoration also needs metal clasps to stay in place, which can be easily seen when speaking or smiling. Dental implants offer a more permanent and functional option for patients with one or more missing teeth.
Single Dental Implant FAQs
Do you have questions about dental implants? Read on to learn more about treatment with single dental implants:
How long does it take for a single implant to heal?
Like other dental implants, it will take a single implant three to six months to heal fully. During this time, the implant integrates with the underlying jaw bone.
Can you eat after a single dental implant?
Directly after you receive your dental implant, you want to eat soft foods and liquids. We recommend eating foods like pasta, soup, and mashed potatoes to prevent irritation at the treatment sites.
Avoid nuts, chips, hard candies, and other hard or crunchy foods. Eating soft foods will also prevent you from biting your tongue or lip if it is still numb.
Is a single implant painful?
We numb the treated area of your mouth during implant surgery. After you receive your implant, you will experience swelling and discomfort once the anesthetic wears off. However, we will provide prescription pain medication and recommend multiple things to care for your mouth.
If you experience swelling, place an ice pack on your cheek in 15-minute increments. Resting, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activities like exercise can prevent further discomfort.
What does a single implant feel like?
At first, it will feel strange to have a replacement tooth in your missing tooth gap. While you will not have any strange taste or sensations in your implant, it will take time to bite and chew with your implant. Over time, a single dental implant will feel as close to a natural tooth as possible.
Is treatment for single and multiple implants the same?
While not completely the same, treatment for single and multiple dental implants is similar. We will use anesthesia during oral surgery, although treatment time will vary depending on how many implants we place.
Are single dental implants worth it?
Yes, dental implants are worth it. Even if you are missing just a single tooth, you can experience shifting teeth, bite problems, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Restoring a missing tooth with a dental implant sooner rather than later can prevent these problems.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Have you just lost a permanent tooth? Restore your smile with a single dental implant. Call DC Precision Dentistry today at (202) 851-7554. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Deckard on our website. Please contact us if you have any more questions about single dental implants, and we can help.