245 Center St, Unit 2, Auburn, ME 04210
What Is a Single-Tooth Dental Implant?
A single-tooth dental implant is a permanent way to replace a missing tooth by placing a small titanium post in your jawbone. Once the post fuses with the bone, it acts as a sturdy new root. A custom crown is then attached on top, giving you a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing.
Unlike a bridge, a single-tooth implant does not rely on your neighboring teeth for support, so your healthy teeth stay untouched. To be a candidate, you need enough jawbone density and healthy surrounding tissue. If your bone is not thick enough, bone grafting can build it back up first. At your consultation, Dr. Kessler will review your medical history and any conditions, such as diabetes or bleeding disorders, that could affect your treatment. Patients throughout Auburn, Lewiston, and the greater Androscoggin County area trust us to restore their smiles one tooth at a time.
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How Single-Tooth Implants Work
A single-tooth implant is made up of three parts that work together to recreate a complete, natural tooth:
- The implant post. A small titanium post is placed into your jawbone, where it serves as the new tooth root.
- The abutment. This connector piece, made of titanium, gold, or porcelain, links the implant post to the crown.
- The crown. The visible portion, or the "tooth" you see and chew with, is custom-crafted from durable zirconia and color-matched to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Together, these components deliver a strong, stable, and natural-looking replacement designed to last for years.
What the Implant Procedure Is Like
During the procedure, Dr. Kessler makes a small opening in the gum and carefully places the titanium post into your jawbone. If you are replacing more than one tooth, the process is repeated at each implant site.
After placement, your implant enters a healing phase during which it fuses with your jawbone. This natural process, called osseointegration, can take up to six months and creates the solid foundation needed to handle everyday chewing. Once we confirm the implant has fully integrated, we attach your custom crown to complete the restoration, bringing back both the look and function of your natural smile.
The Implant Timeline
A single-tooth implant is a process that unfolds over several months, and the wait is well worth the lasting result. If bone grafting is needed first, your jaw typically requires several months to heal before the implant can be placed. After placement, the implant needs additional time to fuse with the bone before your final crown is attached. Dr. Kessler will map out your personal timeline at your consultation so you always know what to expect at each step.
Find the Right Treatment for You
Not sure which option fits your needs? If you are missing several teeth in a row, an implant bridge can replace them with fewer implants. If you are missing most or all of your teeth in an arch, All-on-4 offers a permanent full-arch solution, while snap-in dentures secure a removable denture to implants for added stability. And if you need to build up your jawbone before treatment, bone grafting can create a strong foundation. Dr. Kessler will help you choose the best path at your consultation.
