Single Tooth Dental Implant Rockville MD

Even one missing tooth can cause oral health issues that will be costly to repair in the future. Not to mention, it will compromise your smile and make you self-conscious. A single missing may even cause you to be embarrassed to smile. Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh of Congressional Dental Care in Rockville, MD, recommends replacing your missing tooth with a single tooth dental implant as soon as possible to reduce the chance of future complicated treatments.

dental implants in Rockville MD

Why Replace a Missing Tooth?

Some of the oral health issues that arise from not replacing your missing tooth include:

Increased risk of halitosis (bad breath)
Higher risk of gum disease
Your teeth may shift
Bone loss in your jaw
Increased risk of tooth decay

A single missing tooth can make a big difference in your smile. Harmful bacteria can collect in your missing tooth gap, compromising the health of your teeth and gums. If you lose a tooth due to tooth decay, you are at an increased risk of losing more of your permanent teeth to decay.

Adjacent natural teeth can also shift to close the gap left by your missing tooth. Over time, these teeth can overcrowd the mouth. Crooked and overcrowded teeth are difficult to clean, meaning decay-causing bacteria can build in hard-to-clean areas of the mouth.

For these reasons, it’s essential to contact our office if you have lost a single tooth and require replacement. You can prevent further complications from your missing tooth by receiving a single tooth dental implant.

Replacement Options for Single Missing Tooth

Dr. Sarkarzadeh offers two options for a single missing tooth. The first is a traditional dental bridge supported by the two adjacent teeth. Dr. Sarkarzadeh prepares the adjacent teeth by removing a substantial amount of the tooth structure to make room for the bridge. While this is the traditional method for securing a bridge, it compromises the structure and health of the anchor teeth, and many patients will require further maintenance and care.

The second option is a dental implant-secured dental crown. Dental crowns anchor to a dental implant for a natural and durable replacement of a missing tooth. A small dental implant post, made of medical-grade titanium, will be surgically implanted into the jaw. The implant is designed to replace the missing tooth root structure and fuse with the bone for long-term jaw support. Once healed, we attach the dental crown to the implant for a permanent replacement.

Single Tooth Dental Implant in Rockville, MD

A dental implant-secured dental crown is the superior option for a single missing tooth. Dr. Sarkarzadeh will recommend a single tooth dental implant as a conservative and effective treatment whenever possible.

Despite being the more expensive treatment option upfront, it is better for your overall health. A single tooth dental implant invests in your health, confidence, and overall well-being. Benefits of single tooth dental implants include:

Daily oral hygiene routine is more straightforward.
The implant will never decay, so there is no chance of needing a root canal or cavity filling.
Your adjacent teeth will not be damaged.
No bone loss because dental implants stimulate natural tooth roots to promote bone regeneration.
It will look like your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile.

Single Tooth Dental Implant FAQs

Learn more about single tooth implants with answers to commonly asked questions about this treatment:

How long does it take a single tooth implant to heal?

Your dental implant will take 3 to 6 months to heal fully. During this time, the implant anchor integrates with healthy jaw bone. We will keep track of your healing to determine when you can receive your permanent dental crown.

How do you clean a single tooth implant?

You can gently brush and floss around your single dental implant twice daily. Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush on and around your implant. Flossing around your implant before brushing can minimize bacterial buildup, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease in the surrounding teeth and gums.

When can you eat normally after you get a single tooth implant?

It can take one week before you can eat harder or crunchier foods. We recommend eating soft foods and liquids directly after receiving your new dental implant. After implant surgery, eating soft foods and liquids will minimize discomfort, sensitivity, and swelling.

How painful is a single tooth implant?

You will not feel any pain when we place your single dental implant. While you will feel discomfort after the anesthetic wears off, you will feel less pain with a single implant than receiving treatment with multiple implants. We will recommend over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compress for swelling.

How successful are dental implants?

Dental implants have a success rate of 95 percent. Implants only fail if patients have problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Patients who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products can also encounter implant failure. Our office ensures that patients are healthy, have enough jaw bone to support a dental implant, and will avoid tobacco during implant healing to provide a high success rate.

How long does a single dental implant last?

The titanium implant post is permanent, while the dental crown that caps the implant post can last over 15 years with the proper care. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly will ensure your single dental implant lasts.

Learn More About Dental Implants

Schedule a Consultation

If you are missing a single tooth and are interested in a single tooth dental implant in Rockville, MD, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarkarzadeh or Dr. Farzin. They will discuss your dental health, cosmetic goals, and budget concerns to determine if dental implants are right for you.

Congressional Dental Care is currently accepting new patients. Our dentists welcome you to ask questions about your restorative options and current concerns; we’re here to help you.

Single Implant Rockville, MD