You might wonder about the best replacement solution if you’re missing a tooth. While you have several options, dental implants stand out as one of the most reliable and long-lasting choices. Unlike traditional dental bridges, dental implants offer unique benefits that can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being. If you have a lost tooth, we’ll recommend a single tooth implant in our Wilmington, DE office.
At Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware, we specialize in helping patients restore their smiles with dental implants. Whether you’ve lost a tooth because of decay, injury, or disease, a dental implant can provide a natural-looking and functional replacement.
Single Tooth Implants in Wilmington, DE
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant is in place, a custom-made crown is attached to the top, giving you a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing replacement tooth. Over time, the titanium implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, which makes the implant as strong and stable as a natural tooth root.
This method of tooth replacement offers a permanent solution that mimics the look and feel of your natural teeth. Unlike dental bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, dental implants stand alone, which means they don’t require altering healthy teeth.
Why Choose a Dental Implant Over a Dental Bridge?
If you’re missing a tooth, you might be considering a dental bridge. But dental implants usually work better in the long run. Here’s why implants are often the smarter choice for replacing a single missing tooth:
Keep Your Jawbone Strong
One big advantage of implants is that they keep your jawbone strong. When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath starts to shrink because it’s not being used anymore.
A dental implant acts like a fake tooth root, keeping the bone active and healthy. This helps prevent your face from looking sunken over time. Bridges sit on top of your gums without helping the bone underneath.
Long-Lasting
While the upfront cost of implants is higher, implants often end up being the better value because they last so long and prevent other dental problems.
Implants also last much longer than bridges. While bridges might need replacing every 5-10 years, a well-cared-for implant can last your whole life. The metal part never decays, and the visible crown part can be replaced if it wears out. Bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, and those teeth might need expensive work later.
Implants are anchored firmly in your jawbone, so they feel and function just like real teeth. You can eat all your favorite foods without worry. Bridges aren’t as stable. They can feel loose or even break if the supporting teeth shift over time.
Don’t Need Tooth Preparation
Implants are also better for your other teeth. To put in a bridge, the dentist has to grind down two healthy teeth next to the gap. This weakens those teeth and makes them more likely to get cavities. Implants don’t touch your other teeth at all because they stand on their own.
Easier Cleaning
Cleaning is easier with implants, too. Bridges have small spaces where food can get trapped, making them harder to keep clean. You have to use special floss to clean under them. Implants brush and floss like natural teeth, so your normal cleaning routine works fine.
Caring for a Single Tooth Implant in Wilmington, DE
Just like natural teeth, your dental implant needs proper care to stay healthy and last for years. While implants can’t get cavities, they can still have problems if not cleaned properly. The most common issue is peri-implantitis, which is like gum disease but around your implant.
Brush and Floss
Brush your teeth gently twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps remove food and plaque without scratching your implant. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste that is safe for dental work. Make sure to clean around your implant carefully.
You can use special floss made for implants or tiny brushes called interdental brushes to reach tight spots between your teeth and the implant. Cleaning these areas helps stop gum problems and keeps your implant healthy.
Eat Soft Foods First
After getting your implant, stick to soft foods for a while. Avoid hard or crunchy foods like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels that could damage your crown. You can begin with a soft diet and introduce harder foods over time. Once you’re used to your restoration, you can bite and chew naturally.
Visit Us Twice a Year
Be sure to visit Dr. Conor Campbell every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. At these visits, we’ll check the implant to make sure it’s in good shape and clean places you might miss at home. Keeping up with your appointments helps your implant last.
With good care, a single tooth implant can easily last 20 years or more, often for your whole life. We’ll give you complete instructions on how to care for your new implant after your procedure. And remember, we’re always here to help if you have any questions or concerns about your implant in the years to come. Taking these simple steps will help protect your investment and keep your smile looking and feeling great.
Schedule a Consultation at Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware
If you’re missing a tooth and are considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Conor Campbell. He’ll assess your oral health, discuss your options, and help you decide if a dental implant is the right solution for you.
At Dr. Campbell’s practice, we’re committed to providing high-quality care. We’re here to restore your teeth with precision and expertise. Call us today at 302-335-6123 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation and learn more about how dental implants can benefit you. Let us know if you have questions about treatment. We’ll be happy to help.
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