Dental implants have been improving people’s smiles and quality of life for roughly half a century. They are one of the most effective ways to create strong foundations for crowns, fillings, and replacement teeth that can last a lifetime. But for many people, dental implants — especially single dental implants — are a bit of a mystery.
If you find yourself with a lot of questions about dental implants, you’re not alone. First and foremost, what are single dental implants? Who are they right for? Are they the right choice for you? Finally, where can you find quality dental implants near Chico, California?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
Demystifying Single Dental Implants
In their most basic form, dental implants are screws or posts (typically made of titanium) that are placed in spaces of the jawbone where teeth are missing. For example, if you were in a car collision and experienced an injury that resulted in multiple teeth being lost or removed, your dentist or dental surgeon may recommend dental implants. When these posts are placed in the gums, they allow for replacement teeth or crowns to be placed over them. They tend to have far more durability and strength than removable dentures or bridges, as the screws are able to fuse with the surrounding tissue and function much like the natural root of a tooth.
We’ll go into more detail about multiple dental implants a little later on, but single implants are comprised of just one screw or post that is placed in the gap between other teeth. This allows a single tooth replacement or crown to be mounted onto the implant. Single implants are extremely common, particularly among older adults (though they can be used for most patients 18 years and older).
Who is a Candidate?
Single dental implants are a great fit (no pun intended) for a wide range of situations, but they are most commonly implemented for the following:
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss can happen at any age due to accident or injury. Tooth loss can also be a natural result of age or periodontal disease. In any case, single dental implants are a great solution when a single tooth is missing and leaves a gap between the remaining teeth.
- Tooth Decay: Whether it’s due to advanced age, poor dental hygiene, disease, or a combination of the three, tooth decay is very common. If a tooth decays to the point that it needs to be removed, single dental implants can allow for an artificial tooth to take its place.
- Genetic Gaps: Some people are born with gaps in their teeth due to the congenital absence of teeth. If you have one or more genetic tooth gaps, your dentist may recommend one dental implant for aesthetic or functional reasons.
Single vs. Multiple Dental Implants
As the name implies, single dental implants involve just one screw or post that adheres to the tissue and jaw. Alternatively, multiple dental implants involve multiple screws or posts that can accommodate more than one replacement tooth. Multiple dental implants involve posts that are placed one next to the other. For example, if there is a gap where three teeth are missing, multiple dental implants would be required. However, if there are one or more spaces where single teeth are missing, single dental implants would be the best option for each space.
Where to Get Quality Dental Implants in Chico, CA
Are you looking for a dentist who specializes in dental implants? Do you want to fill in the gaps in your smile? Finally, do you live in or near Chico, California? If so, New Smile Now by Kremer Dental Care has the expert team and technology to create the perfect single dental implant (or implants) for your mouth. Reach out to us today to set an appointment!
