Single Tooth Implant
Portland, OR
 Dental implants replace missing teeth. They may replace a single tooth, or several teeth in a row as part of an implant-supported bridge, or they can be used as part of an All-on-4® procedure, where in just four dental implants are placed to hold a complete arch of teeth.
A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant, which is embedded into the jawbone, an abutment, which joins the implant to a crown (artificial tooth), and the dental crown. The dental implant is placed into the jawbone using a surgical procedure. Once the dental implant is placed, you will not be able to see it as it is below the gumline. The implant is left to integrate with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, which takes several months.
The crown is fitted after osseointegration by opening up the gum and simply attaching it to the implant via the abutment.
Can I Get Dental Implants?
The dental implantation process involves surgically placing tiny screws into the jawbone to replace natural roots. From there, artificial teeth, like dentures and bridges, can be fixed into the mouth. Using various forms of dental technology, including soft tissue lasers, CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design-Computer Aided Manufacturing), and digital panoramic x-rays, we will examine your mouth in order to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.
Types of Single Tooth Implants
If you are missing a single tooth, we offer two types of single tooth implants: endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.
Endosteal are the most common type of single tooth implants. They are typically made out of titanium. These implants are inserted into your jawbone to pose as an artificial tooth root. They are the preferred type of single tooth implant, as they are strong and sturdy. You must have a strong enough jawbone to support them.
Subperiosteal implants are the other type of single tooth implants that we offer. These implants are inserted into the gums, not the jawbone. They are made of a metal framework and protrude above the gum surface. This makes this type of implant not as sturdy.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you look after your dental implants there is no reason why they should not last for many years. While no special attention is required, you must maintain a strict oral health regime, which means brushing and flossing twice daily, plus regular visits to the dentist. Regular visits are usually twice a year, but could be more often if needed.
When the dental implant has first been placed, there is always a small chance of it failing to attach to the bone. This is something we would become aware of during your follow-up appointments. If this happens, the implant will have to be removed and another one placed several weeks later.
If you are interested in learning more about single tooth implants and if you are a good candidate for one, get in touch with us at Portland City Dental to learn more about dental implants. Call us at (503) 256-7917.
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