Single Tooth Replacement in Houston, TX

If you need to restore a single missing or failing tooth, a dental implant is a healthy solution that will provide you with natural-looking and fully functioning results. Dental implants are the only type of tooth replacement option that prevents bone loss and contributes to your long-term oral health.

At Alfi Oral, Dental Implant & Facial Surgery, Dr. Alfi is an expert in implant dentistry and helping more patients qualify for implant-based tooth restoration. If you have experienced the loss of a single tooth or are missing all of your teeth, contact our practice in Houston, TX, to see how dental implants can help you achieve a beautifully healthy smile.

Why Replace a Missing Tooth?

If a tooth is missing or severely damaged, it is important to replace the tooth to maintain the appearance and function of your smile. When a tooth is missing, it can become difficult to eat or speak, and many patients who do not have a complete smile feel self-conscious about their teeth. Adjacent teeth may shift into the open space, causing bite problems and dental shifting.

There are some non-surgical treatments for tooth replacement, such as a denture or fixed bridge, but these options do not prevent bone loss or restore full functionality. A dental implant replaces the entire tooth structure, including the root and crown, which restores the appearance and function of missing teeth.

Teeth roots stimulate the jaw bone when you chew, which keeps the jaw bone healthy. If a tooth is missing, there is no root present to stimulate the jaw and the bone will deteriorate over time. Dental implants are the only type of tooth restoration that fuses to the jaw bone, preventing bone loss and restoring functionality to the replacement teeth. A strong jaw and healthy gums are important for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

Your oral surgeon will create a custom treatment plan for your individual needs. The details of your treatment and dental implant surgery will depend on your unique needs, such as bone grafting or tooth extraction, and if you are looking to replace a single tooth or your entire smile.

During the implant placement procedure, your oral surgeon will surgically place the implant post into the jaw bone, which acts just like a natural tooth root. Once the implant heals, your restorative dentist will attach your final crown that is customized to blend naturally with your other teeth.

A huge benefit of dental implants is that they are incredibly versatile. You can receive a single tooth implant to replace a missing tooth anywhere in the mouth. If you are missing several teeth, you can receive as many dental implants as you need to restore your smile, or an implant-supported bridge if the teeth are missing next to each other. For patients who are edentulous or soon-to-be edentulous, the full-arch restoration procedure restores one or both arches of teeth with an implant-supported denture.

Tooth Replacement Options

When exploring your tooth replacement options, there are many to consider. During the consultation, Dr. Alfi will walk you through all of your options to help you find the right treatment for your smile goals, oral health needs, and budget.

Dental Implants. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or your entire smile. During the dental implant procedure, your surgeon will insert the implant posts, which support your custom-made crowns. Your implant will prevent jaw bone atrophy and misalignment and function just like a healthy natural tooth.
Full/Partial Dentures or Dental Bridges. Dentures and bridges do not require a surgical procedure, making them a fast way to replace missing teeth. They prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of place, but they do not fully restore oral function. If they are not fixed in place, they must be taken out during meals and brushing. Dentures and bridges do not prevent bone loss and require replacements every few years.
No Replacement. If you do not replace a tooth, nearby teeth may shift into the open space. Dental shifting may lead to bite problems, and excessive wear and tear may occur on your existing teeth. Without stimulation, the jaw bone will weaken over time, which may lead to costly bone repair surgery.