Restore Your Smile With Advanced Dental Implant Technology
At the Edward J. Ambis Center for Dental Medicine, we understand how a missing tooth can affect your confidence and daily life. Our single-tooth dental implants provide a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth. Dr. Edward Ambis brings over 40 years of experience in advanced implant dentistry to help restore your smile to its full potential.
Ready to learn how dental implants can transform your smile? Contact our Ithaca dental office at 607-272-1874 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ambis.
What Are Single-Tooth Dental Implants?
A single-tooth dental implant is a titanium post that serves as a replacement for a tooth root. This artificial tooth root is surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for a custom-made crown. The result is a replacement tooth that mimics the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Unlike other options like bridges or dentures, implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support, which preserves your oral health and prevents bone loss. This makes them a preferred choice for patients seeking a permanent solution for a missing tooth.
The Benefits of Single-Tooth Dental Implants
- Restored Functionality: Implants allow you to chew and speak with confidence, just like with your natural teeth.
- Preservation of Jawbone Health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing deterioration that often occurs after tooth loss.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The crown placed on the implant is custom-designed to match your existing teeth, creating a seamless smile.
- Durability: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution over time.
The Dr. Ambis Difference: Advanced Implant Technology
At the Edward J. Ambis Center, we utilize state-of-the-art dental technology to plan and place your implant with exceptional precision. Dr. Ambis’s additional training in Speech Pathology and Audiology provides unique insights into oral function, ensuring optimal results for speaking and eating comfort.
Don’t wait to restore your smile. Call our Ithaca office today at 607-272-1874 to discover how our advanced implant solutions can help you.
The Single-Tooth Implant Procedure
The process for a single-tooth dental implant typically involves several steps over a few months to ensure long-term success.
- Initial Consultation and Treatment Plan: Your dentist will assess your oral health using CT scans or X-rays to evaluate your jawbone’s density and identify the ideal implant site. If there isn’t enough bone, you may require bone grafting to build a stable foundation.
- Surgical Placement: During the first phase, the titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. Other sedation options are also available for longer procedures or patients with special needs. Over time, the implant integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, which ensures a secure fit.
- Healing Period: The healing process typically takes a few months, allowing the implant to fuse with the jawbone and the gums heal completely.
- Abutment Placement: Once healing is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant. This serves as a connector between the implant and the crown.
- Final Crown Placement: A custom-made crown is securely attached to the abutment, completing the procedure. The new crown looks and functions like a natural tooth, restoring your smile.
Maintaining Your Dental Implant
Caring for your implant is similar to maintaining your natural teeth. Here are some tips to ensure longevity:
- Brush twice a day and floss regularly.
- Schedule routine checkups and dental cleanings with your dentist.
- Avoid habits like smoking, which can increase the risk of implant failure.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth during sleep.
With proper care, your single-tooth implant can remain strong and functional for decades.
Who Is a Candidate for Single-Tooth Implants?
Ideal candidates for single-tooth implants include individuals who:
- Have a missing tooth or missing teeth and want a permanent replacement.
- Maintain good overall and oral health.
- Possess sufficient bone density in the jawbone.
- Are committed to proper care and maintaining oral hygiene.
If you have conditions such as gum disease or bone loss, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required to ensure the implant’s success.
How Much Do Single-Tooth Dental Implants Cost in Ithaca, NY?
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and whether additional treatments like bone grafts or sinus lifts are necessary. On average, a single-tooth implant can range from $3,000 to $5,000. While this may seem like a significant investment, the durability and benefits of implants make them a worthwhile choice.