To replace a single missing tooth
When you're missing a single tooth, the best
permanent replacement is a dental implant placed in your jaw to replace
the root, and a dental crown placed over it.
Traditionally, a single missing tooth has been
replaced by a dental bridge. A bridge requires that the teeth
adjacent to the missing teeth are ground down and crowns placed on them. A
dental implant, however, not only acts and feels like your own tooth, but
it does not require crowns on the adjacent teeth.
Another option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth
is a removable partial denture.
Here's an explanation of
the dental implant procedure:
1: Before the
procedure
Expect a thorough examination. Dr. Chal will take x-rays and examine
them closely. He will also check your occlusion, periodontal health,
and general health. There are a lot of factors to be considered in
planning a dental implant. It will be comforting to you to know that
you are in the hands of an experienced expert.
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2: Installing the
dental implant
A titanium implant, chosen and sized to fit you and the space
allowed, will be carefully and precisely placed in the space of the missing tooth.
Getting this titanium post placed just right is critical to the
success of this procedure.
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3: Attaching the
new crown
A dental crown, made out of porcelain and custom crafted to fit
your mouth, your bite, and the exact color of your adjacent teeth,
will be placed. With Dr. Chal's training and experience, you can
count on this crown looking exactly like a natural tooth.
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4: Allow healing
to take place
With today's technology, healing time is less than it used to be. Dr. Chal has
the training to place Teeth-in-an-Hour.
While not everyone is a candidate for Teeth-in-an-Hour, you may be, and you may wish
to choose this option, so that you can function immediately.
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5:
Final result
With a dental implant from Dr. Chal, you should expect the new tooth to
look just
like a natural tooth. The fit will be excellent, it will function
just like a natural tooth, and it will be completely comfortable.
Take care of it the same way you would a natural tooth, with
brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, to keep the tooth and the
gum tissue around it healthy. |
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Implant vs Bridge Advantages and Disadvantages
- A bridge requires
placing crowns on the two adjacent teeth. Thus, three teeth are
involved instead of one. Later, if there is a problem with any one of
those teeth, usually the entire bridge needs to be replaced. A single
dental implant is completely separate from any adjacent teeth and is
treated separately.
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A dental implant
helps preserve the bone. Otherwise, the bone where you have the
missing tooth will shrink over the years.
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A dental implant
can easily be made to look like it is growing out of the gum, so that
it looks completely natural. Often, this illusion can also be created
with bridges, but not always.
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If the teeth on
either side of the missing tooth need crowns anyway, a bridge may be
the most sensible choice.
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Visit Dr. Chal's
web site to see photographs of his beautiful work and read the
impressive testimonials of grateful patients.
Read about
dental implant costs.
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