William J. Kobza, DDS - Single Tooth Replacement

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

Benefits of an all-ceramic crown on implant:
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

In this case, a so-called one-piece implant is used. This means that all components are installed as a single unit, resulting in immediately full functioning teeth, shorter treatment time and minimized pain.

Immediately functioning teeth
Excellent esthetic result
Life long, stable solution

Treatment:
This procedure normally includes four visits to the dentist. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant installed.

COURSE OF TREATMENT

INSTALLING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP

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


1: Before the procedure The dentist makes a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.	2: Installing the implant The implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you eat and function like normal almost immediately. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.


3: Attaching the new crown The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth. The new tooth is installed for life. No additional treatment is needed.	4: End result You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean and

ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON IMPLANT

	Tooth-supported fixed bridge A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorbtion in the edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge.
	Removable partial denture This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist: adjacent teeth aren't affected. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap.
	Resin-bonded bridge This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, it gives a high esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren't affected. But it is not very permanent. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off – probably after just a couple of years – and will then have to be reinstalled.

Copy of above original text:

(Patients missing all teeth)   Generalized dental disease / problems

        -"Many, or most of my teeth are unhealthy and need to be extracted":
            -(failing dentition): this category includes people with:
                    -failing bridgework
                    -generalized advanced bone loss from periodontal disease
                    -generalized root cavities
                    -fractured roots
                    -teeth with failed root canal treatments
            -people in this category have what dentists call "a failing dentition".
            -Select: Missing All Teeth

        -"I have already lost my teeth, and my dentures are uncomfortable
            -(edentulous patients)
            -Select: Missing All Teeth

        -"I cannot wear my dentures, and I have been told I do not have enough bone for implants"
            -(patient with minimal bone levels)
            -Select: Missing All Teeth

        (Patients missing multiple teeth)  Localized dental disease / problems

        -"My permanent bridge has failed, and I don't have enough (support) teeth (to make / for) a new one"
            -Select: Missing Multiple Teeth

        -"Some of my teeth are unhealthy and need to be extracted":
            this category includes people with:
                    -teeth with advanced bone loss
                    -teeth with very deep cavities
                    -teeth with failed root canal treatment
            -Select: Missing Multiple Teeth

        (Patients missing single teeth) Isolated dental disease / problems

        -"I lost one of my teeth in an accident" (avulsed tooth)
            -Select: Missing Single Teeth

        -"I have any unhealthy tooth that needs to be extracted"
            -this category includes people with:
                    -fractured teeth
                    -teeth with failed root canal treatment
                    -teeth with very deep cavities
            -Select: Missing Single Teeth