Losing even a single tooth can affect your ability to chew food or speak clearly. Depending on the location of the missing tooth, the appearance of your smile and your confidence can also be seriously impacted.
At Chicago Dental Arts, Dr. Vlad Fedin is an expert in crafting and placing dental implants, whether you have lost just one tooth or have several missing teeth.
You can rely on Dr. Fedin to customize a tooth-replacement treatment that meets your needs, no matter what caused your tooth loss.
Am I a Candidate for Single-Tooth-Replacement With a Dental Implant?
Individuals who have lost one or two single teeth can usually qualify for replacement with dental implants. Most of the time, minor tooth loss is caused by one of the following situations:
- Trauma to the mouth
- Deep tooth decay
- Unsuccessful root canal therapy
Whether the tooth came out on its own or needed to be extracted, dental implants can usually be inserted without extensive preparation, with the entire process completed in a few weeks or months.
Patients with several loose or missing teeth due to gum disease typically require supportive treatment before receiving dental implants.
Because dental implantation is a surgical procedure, you should be a healthy non-smoker and free of any infections before your dental implant procedure. You must also stop using aspirin, NSAIDs, and other medications or supplements that increase bleeding.
Call Chicago Dental Arts at (312) 642-6631 to learn more about single-tooth replacement with dental implants in Chicago or schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Fedin.
The Benefits of Single-Tooth-Replacement With a Dental Implant
Our state-of-the-art Chicago dental office is equipped with the ConeBeam 3D Scanner. This advanced imaging technology provides clear, detailed, three-dimensional photos of your jaw and teeth. These images allow Dr. Fedin to assess your jawbone and the surrounding teeth and develop an optimal implant placement plan.
Compared to fixed bridges, dental implants offer a healthier alternative, offering the following benefits:
- Dental implants replace the entire tooth, including the root.
- The artificial tooth root stimulates your gums and jaw to help prevent resorption, a process that weakens the bone.
- Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution.
- Dental implants feel and look like your own healthy teeth.
- Dental implant crowns can be color-matched to newly whitened teeth for a smile makeover.
- Dental implants provide unmatched stability for confidence when eating.
- Dental implants are stronger and more durable than traditional bridges.
How Do Single (Individual) Dental Implants Work?
Oral surgery is performed to insert the dental implant posts through the gum and into the underlying bone. Because Dr. Fedin uses WaterLase — an advanced, pain-free technology — during your surgery, you may only need a local anesthetic. However, Chicago Dental Arts also offers sedation dentistry options for your comfort.
Once the post is inserted into the jaw, Dr. Fedin will place a temporary crown to cover the implant while it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
After a few weeks, once the dental implant has fused with the jawbone, Dr. Fedin will place your permanent crown to finish your smile restoration.
Is There Any Downtime Associated With a Single Dental Implant?
You may be advised to eat soft foods for a day or two after placing the implant, but moderate chewing can help the implant posts integrate with the jawbone.
While receiving a dental implant requires minor surgery, Dr. Fedin’s techniques and use of WaterLase provide a significantly more comfortable experience while reducing the duration and discomfort of your recovery.
There should be little-to-no discomfort when receiving your permanent crowns.
Taking Care of Your Dental Implant
You can care for your dental implant just like your natural teeth with no special tools necessary! Practice proper oral hygiene at home by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once per day.
Attend your regular dental visits every six months for check-ups and professional oral hygiene treatments (cleanings).
What Results Can I Expect After Receiving My Dental Implant?
After healing from your dental implant placement procedure and receiving your permanent crown, you can expect your new tooth to feel, look, and function like a healthy, natural tooth for a restored smile and a secure bite.
Dr. Fedin recommends dental implants to replace missing teeth because it’s the ideal way to maintain the health and appearance of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Gentle, Pain-Free Dental Implants in Chicago, IL
Dr. Vlad Fedin provides every dental implant option available to replace missing teeth, including single dental implants and multiple implants to replace several missing teeth.
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, receive a complete set of individual dental implants at Chicago Dental Arts or an All-On-4 implant-supported denture if this solution better meets your needs.
Check out our before and after photos here.
Learn more about receiving dental implants at our Chicago, Illinois, cosmetic dental office by calling (312) 642-6631 today.
