What To Expect During A Single-Tooth Dental Implant Procedure

If you’re considering dental implants in Naples, you may be wondering what to expect from the procedure. And you may also have questions about the basics of how dental implants work, and why you should get a dental implant from Dr. Landon Lowell at Suncoast Dental Center, rather than an alternative treatment like a dental bridge. Get all the answers you need in this blog.
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What Is A Single-Tooth Dental Implant?

Single-tooth dental implants are the most common type of dental implant. As the name suggests, they are used to replace one missing tooth. Single-tooth dental implants have two primary components. The first is the implant itself. This is a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium. This implant is surgically placed into your gums and jaw bone, and it permanently heals and attaches to your jaw bone.

This allows the implant to function as an artificial tooth root. That brings us to the second part of a single-tooth dental implant, which is a dental crown (false tooth). This crown attaches to the implant permanently, replacing your missing tooth. Dental crowns are made from porcelain ceramic materials that look, feel, and function just like a “real” tooth.
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Why Choose A Single-Tooth Dental Implant Over A Dental Bridge?

Both single-tooth dental implants and dental bridges can be used to replace one missing tooth. But, in general, a single-tooth dental implant is a better option, and here are a few reasons why:

• Preserve natural enamel – In a dental bridge, two healthy teeth have to be trimmed to make room for the dental crowns that hold a false tooth in place. This is not necessary for dental implants, so opting for an implant helps you preserve your natural enamel.
  
  
• Longer lifespan – Dental bridges usually last between 5-15 years. In contrast, dental implants can easily last 30+ years for proper care, making them a better long-term investment.
  
  
• Simpler care – Dental bridges are a little more difficult to clean compared to dental implants, which makes implants a more convenient choice.
  
  
• Prevent jaw bone loss – Dental implants help stimulate and protect your jaw bone, preventing it from weakening after tooth loss. This is not the case for dental bridges.

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What Can I Expect During My Implant Placement Procedure?

Are you wondering what to expect from your implant placement procedure? Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect during surgery:

• Pre-op preparations – Dr. Lowell will give you a set of instructions to follow before your scheduled implant surgery. If you’re choosing to be sedated, you will need someone to bring you to and from Suncoast Dental Center, and you may need to fast (avoid eating) on the morning of your surgery.
  
  
• Implant placement surgery – Dr. Lowell will begin by cleaning and numbing the treatment area and administering sedation, if needed. Then, he will use dental tools and a surgical guide to create an opening in your gums and jaw. Then, he will place your dental implant and suture the area shut. This process will be repeated if you’re getting multiple implants.
  
  
• Post-operative care – Dr. Lowell will send you home with a set of instructions to follow as you heal and recover. You’ll need to avoid exercise, eat soft foods, and take some other steps for a few days. It takes about two weeks to heal completely from your initial surgery, but you can usually get back to your normal routine within a day or two.

It’s also important to note that you’ll need to come back to our office for follow-ups as you heal. Dr. Lowell will check your recovery, and begin building your dental crown. All in all, it will take most patients around six months to get a single-tooth dental implant.
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Come To Suncoast Dental Center For Dental Implants In Naples, FL!

If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth in Naples, Dr. Lowell and the team at Suncoast Dental Center are here to help. We’re always accepting new patients, so give us a call at (239) 566-2255 or contact us online to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Lowell right away.