Single-Piece Implants
Single-piece implants, also known as monoblock implants, are innovative dental devices designed to replace missing teeth with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Unlike the conventional multi-piece implants that are composed of separate components, such as implant fixture, abutment etc, single-piece implants have single implant body that gets fixed into the dental bone and also anchors the dental prosthesis. This cohesive design eliminates the need for separate abutments, resulting in a simpler, quicker and more streamlined restoration process.
Single-piece Implants in the Dental Restoration Protocol
Here are some well-known smile design techniques that are commonly included in a comprehensive cosmetic treatment plan:
Single-piece implants are used as part of immediate implant-immediate loading protocol, where the implants are placed immediately after tooth extraction, and are loaded as soon as the prosthesis is ready. There is no healing period after tooth extraction or after implant placement for osseointegration.
A single piece implant being a single component structure has no joints or a connecting screw. This eliminates all the nagging complications of 2-piece implants. As such these implants do not have any problems that are associated with conventional screw-based implants.
What is the Procedure for Single-piece Implants?
Single-piece implants can be used to replace single or multiple teeth. For the procedure, based on the number of teeth to be replaced, the damaged or diseased teeth are extracted. The single piece implants are then fixed into the jaw bone; it is flapless surgery, and hence the healing does not take time. Once the implants are fixed, measurements for the prosthesis are taken and sent for fabrication. Meanwhile, the patients is provided a temporary prosthesis and is called for a follow-up later. Once the permanent prosthesis is ready, the patient is called, and the temporary prosthesis and replaced with the permanent ones. There is no separate period provided for osseointegration and the healing happens simultaneously with the implant procedure. The patient may be called later of any adjustments are needed.
Advantages of Single-piece Implants
Single-piece implants offer several advantages, owing to their structure and short protocols needed.
Less risk of implant failure
The single-piece implants have less risk of loosening, chipping or breaking due to its single-piece structure and lack of multiple pieces. The smooth surface of the implant neck does not cause gum inflammation that leads to implant failure. No microleakage happens between implant components as these are single components. There is no risk of cestal bone loss, which is commonly seen in 2 piece implants.
Time saving
Use of single-piece implants saves time as they can be loaded immediately. The patient doesn’t need to wait for implants to heal before loading.
Convenient for patients
The procedures are flapless, quick and simple. There is no need to cut the gum. The patients are saved from multiple visits to the dental clinic as needed with multiple implants. In addition, the patient stays edentulous for a short time, increasing his satisfaction.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Single-piece implants provide seamless integration with the surrounding tissues, resulting in natural-looking restorations that blend harmoniously with the patient’s smile.
Increased Stability
The monolithic structure of single-piece implants offers greater mechanical strength and stability compared to traditional implant systems. In addition, the 3mm single piece implant is stronger than 4 mm conventional implant.
