SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

Benefits of a 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.

Treatment:
This procedure normally includes several visits to your Oral Surgeon. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant placed.

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 A consultation where your Oral Surgeon  will review your x-rays and examine your mouth to prepare for the procedure.	2: Installing the implant The implant is placed by your Oral Surgeon. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before a temporary abutment is placed to aid the dentist in the fabrication of the crown.

3: Attaching the new crown The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth by your general dentist. The new tooth is installed for life.	4: End result You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Maintain your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around the implant clean and healthy.

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ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON IMPLANT

	Tooth-supported fixed bridge (made by your general dentist) 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 (made by your general dentist) 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 inexpensive.
	Resin-bonded bridge (made by your general dentist) 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 usually come off eventually, and will then have to be reinstalled.