Single posterior dental implants are a common procedure for replacing missing back teeth. These implants are designed to restore chewing function, improve appearance, and prevent teeth from shifting.
Lower first molars are the most common tooth for people to be missing. An individual who is missing a lower first molar can experience discomfort when chewing and can also see teeth shift dramatically over time.
Replacing a single posterior tooth is the most common implant procedure. The process is not as complex or costly as you might think. In most cases, the implant can be placed in a single visit.
Single Posterior Dental Implants: The Process
The first step is to extract the missing tooth. Once the tooth is removed, the resulting space must be allowed to heal for a minimum of three months. This allows the bone to fill in or solidify to the point that an implant can be placed with a high likelihood of success. After the healing period, an implant is placed into the space where the tooth was extracted. The implant is made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that the body will not reject. The implant is then covered and protected by a small "button."
After three or more months of healing time, the implant has integrated or fused to the bone and the implant is ready to support the abutment and crown. At this point, the restorative dentist places an abutment or "post" onto the implant and tightens it to a very specific torque value, ensuring that the abutment and crown do not come loose. Then a master impression or digital scan is taken and sent to a lab for the fabrication of the final porcelain or zirconia crown. Finally, the crown is either cemented or screwed onto the implant for a final result nearly identical to a natural tooth in function, aesthetics, and long-term maintenance.
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery from single posterior dental implant surgery is typically very quick. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. Some people may experience mild discomfort, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Excellent Oral Hygiene is Key
The most important thing to do after single posterior dental implant surgery is to practice excellent oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a fluoride toothpaste. You should also see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Yes, there are other treatment options for missing teeth, such as bridges and partials. However, dental implants are generally considered to be the best option for replacing missing teeth. This is because dental implants are more stable and natural-looking than bridges and partials. Additionally, dental implants can help to preserve the bone in the jaw, which can prevent problems in the future.
There are a few signs that you may need a dental implant, including:
Dental implants are the best and most natural choice for replacing missing teeth. They are more stable and natural-looking than bridges and partials, and they can help to preserve the bone in the jaw. Additionally, dental implants have a high success rate, with over 90% of implants still in place after 10 years.
Titanium
Titanium is the most common material used for dental implants. It is non-corrosive, non-magnetic, lightweight, and incredibly strong under stress. These properties make titanium ideal for dental implants, as they can withstand the forces of chewing and resist corrosion in the mouth.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the process by which titanium implants fuse with the bone. This allows the implant to become a permanent part of the jaw, providing a stable foundation for a new tooth.
Porcelain and Zirconia Restorations
Traditionally, porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have been used with great success. However, recent advancements in both porcelain and zirconia laboratory restorations give implant dentists the ability to create crowns and bridges that are much more lifelike, durable, and cosmetically pleasing.
Advancements in implant design have improved long-term success rates and deliver consistent strength. These advancements include:
Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. They are strong, durable, and look natural.
Titanium is the most common material used for dental implants. It is biocompatible and strong.
Advancements in implant design have improved long-term success rates.
Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have been used for decades, but recent advancements in porcelain and zirconia restorations offer more lifelike and durable options.
Preoperative Instructions
Your dentist may prescribe specific medications, typically an antibiotic, or even vitamin supplements, before implant surgery. It may also be necessary to stop taking certain medications preoperatively.
Patients are also instructed to bring a friend or family member who can wait in the waiting room during the procedure and drive the patient home afterwards.
Other preoperative requirements typically include the following do’s and don’ts:
The amount of bone available in the area where the implant will be placed is important. If there is not enough bone, it may be necessary to perform a bone graft procedure to increase the amount of bone available.
The quality of the bone is also important. Bone that is dense and strong is better suited for implant placement than bone that is weak or porous.
In order to assess the bone quantity and quality, preoperative scans may be required. These scans can help the dentist to determine if the patient is a good candidate for implant placement and to plan the surgery accordingly.
The standard of care in implant dentistry is cone beam imaging (CBCT). CBCT scans provide three-dimensional images of the jawbone, which allows the dentist to see the bone in great detail. This information can be used to assess the bone quantity and quality and to plan the surgery.
There are several benefits to using CBCT imaging for implant placement. These benefits include:
Local anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia used for dental implant procedures. It numbs the treatment area intraorally, making the procedure pain-free. Local anesthesia is very safe and predictable, and it is the right choice for the majority of simple implant procedures.
Conscious sedation is a type of sedation that allows the patient to remain awake during the procedure, but they are relaxed and comfortable. Conscious sedation is often used for more complex implant procedures or for patients who have elevated anxiety levels.
General anesthesia is a type of sedation that puts the patient to sleep during the procedure. General anesthesia is typically used for very complex implant procedures or for patients who have severe anxiety levels.
There is typically an additional cost for sedation that is not included in the implant fee. Patients are encouraged to discuss sedation options with their implant dentist during the consultation phase.
Are Single Implants a Same Day Procedure?
In some cases, there is enough bone available in the extraction site to allow for immediate implant placement. This is known as immediate implant placement. Immediate implant placement has a slightly higher failure rate than the conventional implant process, but success rates are steadily increasing, especially when coupled with bone grafting procedures.
If there is not enough bone available in the extraction site, the implant may need to be placed at a later date. This is known as conventional implant placement. Conventional implant placement has a lower failure rate than immediate implant placement, but it can take several months for the implant to osseointegrate (fuse) with the bone.
Implant Placement
The implant placement procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and then insert the implant into the bone. The implant will then be allowed to heal for three to four months.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant has healed, the dentist will place the abutment, which is a post that is attached to the implant. The crown is then cemented or screwed onto the abutment.
Total Timeframe
The total timeframe for the simple single implant process is typically about six months. This includes the time for implant placement, healing, and abutment and crown placement.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is typically used for the implant placement procedure. However, in some cases, general anesthesia may be necessary.
Proper Upkeep, Issues with Recovery & Rejection, and Peri-implantitis
Implant Failure
Implant failure is rare, but it can happen. There are a number of factors that can contribute to implant failure, including:
Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is a condition that can occur around dental implants. It is characterized by inflammation and progressive loss of bone. Peri-implantitis is similar to gum disease, but it can be more difficult to treat.
Plaque Control
Plaque control is essential for preventing peri-implantitis. Patients with implants need to be especially diligent about brushing and flossing their teeth. They may also need to see their dentist for professional cleanings more often than people without implants.
Recovery
Recovery from implant surgery is usually uneventful. However, some patients may experience pain, swelling, or bleeding. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days.
The Good News
The good news is that when an implant does fail, it is generally not a significant problem. The implant can be replaced soon thereafter.
Peridex™ is an oral rinse that contains chlorhexidine gluconate, an antimicrobial agent that can help to prevent infection. Peridex™ is often recommended for use after dental implant surgery.
Saltwater Rinse
Most patients are instructed to rinse post-surgically with saltwater to promote healing. Saltwater is a natural antiseptic that can help to reduce inflammation and infection.
Other Post-Surgery Instructions
In addition to rinsing with saltwater or Peridex™, your dentist may also give you other post-surgery instructions, such as:
StellaLife® is a natural or holistic rinse that can help to promote soft tissue or gingival healing. StellaLife® contains a blend of herbs and essential oils that have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
There are a number of factors that can lead to implant failure, including:
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent implant failure, including:
Bellagio Dental Implant Center
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in North Palm Beach, FL.
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