Replacing a Single Tooth:

When replacing a single tooth there are a couple of options available. Usually a dental implant is the method of choice as it allows you to get a new tooth root. This helps to maintain the jawbone and gum and also reduces the chance of you loosing other teeth from decay or tooth movement. Other options would be a denture or a bridge or to leave the space.

A single dental implant is commonly done to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is designed to be as close to your old tooth as possible. If you have lost alot of gum/bone from the loss of a tooth you may not be able to get a dental implant or the tooth you get made may look long unless you get some bone grafting done.

We are usually able to place dental implants and can check beforehand with the use of a dental CT which we have on site.

A dental implant is a very simple procedure to get performed. The implant is usually placed under local anaesthetic and you will feel nothing apart from some vibration. If you are very nervous we offer sedation however most people say it is easier than getting a filling.

We normally leave the implant buried under your gum for 3-4 months before we start to make the tooth. Once the gum has healed up perfectly we make the final crown and your smile is complete once again. You will be able to chew well once again and get back the confidence of having a full smile.

Diagram of Implant Procedure:

   Missing Tooth

 Implant Placed and Abutment later Inserted

 Completed tooth with implant shown

Alternative to Single implant

Immediate placement:

There are times when it is desirable to place an implant at the same time as a tooth is lost. We do this only occasionally as the risk of failure is higher. It is best to do the treatment in as risk-free way as possible and so we recommend delaying implant placement until healing has occurred. If you wish to preceed immediately there is a higher fee associated with it to cover the cost of the extra risk of failure.