Replace Your Missing Tooth with a Dental Implant

Single Tooth Replacement Dental Implant Provided by Dr. David Richardson, Certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics

The Single Tooth Replacement Dental Implant:

Replace a Missing Tooth with
Single Tooth Dental Implants

A single tooth dental implant is the best way to replace a missing single tooth – no question about it. That is because there is then no need to grind down the two adjacent teeth, as is necessary for a traditional bridge.

The grinding procedure may lead to other problems such as a root canal or an eventual fracture in the root due to the physical stresses of chewing on the remaining teeth that the bridge sits upon.

Often these root fractures lead to more tooth loss. When bridge crowns decay (and they ultimately will) it often results in more tooth loss. Dental implants do not decay! The scientific data clearly shows that using a dental implant results in the least chance of more tooth loss in this situation. If any doctor doesn’t give this option when a tooth is missing, it is a good idea to get a second opinion before you begin a domino effect of further tooth loss.

Before and After for Single Tooth Replacement:

How Single-Tooth Replacement Dental Implants Work:

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult Dr. Richardson to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

Step 1: Before the Procedure

Dr. Richardson makes a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.

 Step 2: Placing the dental implant

The implant is placed utilizing a surgical template to optimize the implant location. Some times a temporary tooth may be provided that allows you eat and function like normal almost immediately. The implant will need a few months to integrate into the jawbone before the next step is taken.

 Step 3: Attaching the new tooth

The final step is the placement of the fixed ceramic crown. The new crown is held in place by a screw into the top of the dental implant. The screw should be torqued periodically to ensure proper attachment of the crown to the dental implant.

 Step 4: End result

You should expect the new crown to look and feel just like a natural tooth. Complete your regularly scheduled dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around the new dental implant crown clean and healthy.

Why Choose Dr. Richardson for Your Implants?

• A Proven Dentist - Dr. Richardson is Charleston’s top smile restoration dentist with over 30 years of specialty experience and a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics for 25 years. Dr. Richardson’s restorative dentistry includes top laboratory support from the best Dental Laboratories in the United States to ensure your tooth restorations are durable and aesthetically pleasing.
• Sedation Dentistry - Anxious about going to the dentist? Relax. Genuine comfortable sedation dentistry is available and includes conscious-sedation administered and monitored by a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or Anesthesiologist to make sure you are comfortable and safe.
• Fully Warranted - Dr. Richardson will take care of any issues with your full-mouth makeover from start to finish. On the rare occasion that a problem should occur, Dr. Richardson will fix the problem of failed materials within the first year with no additional fees.
• Dental Financing Available with No Surprises - All financial arrangements are made at our dental office and there will be no hidden fees or additions after you confirm your treatment plan and treatment begins. This will ensure there will be no frustrating “surprises” that cost you more than you anticipated.