Single Tooth Replacement in Tyler and Palestine, TX

A single dental implant can effectively replace a missing tooth, whether it's a front tooth, canine tooth, or molar. At Southern Surgical Arts, we specialize in providing dental implant and oral surgery services to the communities of Tyler and Palestine, TX.

Single Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants

When you lose a tooth, it can affect not only your smile but also your overall oral health. Missing teeth can lead to a loss of self-confidence and have detrimental effects on your jaw bone.

A natural tooth's root stimulates the jaw bone during chewing, promoting its strength and density. However, when a tooth is missing, the jaw bone loses this stimulation, causing it to weaken over time. This can result in nearby teeth shifting out of position and bone loss in the jaw.

Dental implants offer a popular and long-term solution for replacing missing teeth as they replicate the structure of a natural tooth, including the root. By acting as a substitute for the missing tooth root, the implant post stimulates the jaw bone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the alignment of nearby teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can fuse with the jaw bone, providing a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth.

Single dental implants can be used to replace any missing or damaged tooth throughout the mouth. They are even strong enough to replace molars. In some cases, as few as four implant posts can support a fixed bridge, allowing for a complete smile restoration through a full-arch restoration procedure.

Immediate dental implants

Immediate dental implants, also known as same-day dental implants, involves placing the dental implant post immediately after a tooth extraction.

If your jaw bone has enough strength and volume to support the implant, your oral surgeon can insert the implant post into the empty socket during the same appointment. The bone will then heal around the implant, facilitating fusion. By replacing the missing tooth immediately, you can reduce the number of appointments needed for restoration and prevent further deterioration of the jaw bone due to tooth loss.

In cases where there is insufficient bone around the empty socket, a bone graft procedure can be performed to promote the growth of new bone. After the graft has successfully healed, the dental implant post can be placed. 

Getting a Dental Implant Years After Extraction

Regardless of the time that has passed since a tooth extraction, it is still possible to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant. However, after many years, the jaw bone may have atrophied in that area due to the absence of a tooth's root stimulation. If this is the case, your oral surgeon can perform a bone graft to add more bone to the desired area.

Neglecting to address a missing tooth can lead to neighboring teeth shifting into the empty space and a weakened jaw causing sagging facial features. However, dental implants can still be an effective solution in such cases, as they provide the necessary stimulation to the jaw bone and prevent further deterioration.

Tooth Replacement Options in Tyler and Palestine, TX

When considering tooth replacement options after an extraction, there are several choices available in Tyler and Palestine, TX. Some patients may opt for cheaper restoration options, such as dental bridges or removable partial dentures.

However, it is important to note that these alternatives do not fuse with the jaw bone and therefore do not protect against bone loss. Over time, this may lead to extensive bone loss and require additional surgical interventions. Tooth-supported bridges, for instance, involve grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge, which can potentially damage these healthy teeth.

In contrast, implant-supported bridges offer a more favorable solution, as they rely on dental implants to support the bridge, preserving the health of the jaw bone and existing teeth.

Whether you are missing one tooth or several teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our office in Tyler, TX, and Palestine, TX. Our oral surgeons can work with you to create a treatment plan to restore your smile and oral health.

Find Us in Tyler and Palestine, TX

At Southern Surgical Arts, we are dedicated to restoring your smile. Our offices in Tyler and Palestine, TX are equipped to provide comprehensive dental implant and oral surgery services. Whether you require a single tooth replacement or a full-arch restoration, we are committed to delivering the healthy and complete smile you deserve.