A dental-implant-based restoration is typically the best option to replace a single missing tooth. Here are a few reasons why:

No Damage to Abutment Teeth

A fixed bridge is another common treatment option for a missing tooth. However, the procedure necessitates the removal of tooth material from the healthy abutment teeth. The size of the abutment teeth must be reduced to allow the bridge crowns to be placed over them.

However, with a dental-implant-based restoration, the adjacent teeth are not altered. The implant is not held in place by a connection to the natural teeth. Instead, after the dentist inserts the device into the jawbone, it integrates with the bone material to hold the implant in position.

The Maintenance of the Health of the Jawbone

When a jawbone does not receive enough stimulation, it shrinks. The atrophy may affect other healthy teeth, because as the bone shrinks, the teeth may not fit as tightly in their sockets.

Dental bridges and other applications that rest at the gumline do not provide stimulation to the jawbone. However, since an implant is placed inside the bone where a natural tooth root normally resides, the device can still transfer stimulating bite pressure to the bone tissues. As the bone receives stimulation, it produces new bone cells to maintain the thickness and health of the jawbone.

Longevity

A dental implant rarely fails, and it's designed to remain in place throughout the patient's lifetime. When used to replace a single tooth, the implant is fitted with an abutment and then covered by a dental crown. If the crown covering the implant incurs damage, it can be removed and replaced without necessitating the replacement of the implant itself.

The dental implant only needs to be replaced if it has shifted from its original position in the bone. This is unlikely to happen since the implant can withstand a similar amount of bite pressure to a natural tooth.

The Natural Look of an Implant-based Restoration

After the placement of an implant, the dentist shapes the gingival tissue around the device to form a slight curve as the gums do around the natural teeth. Additionally, the crown that is used to cover the implant can be colored to match the natural coloration of the patient's teeth. As a result, the completed single-tooth restoration is difficult to discern from a natural tooth in the mouth.

To learn more about implant-based single-tooth restorations, or other dental implant treatments, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.