Replacing a Single Tooth
Most people will lose at least one tooth in their life. You may think that a small gap is not harmful and that the only reason to replace it is for cosmetic purposes. The reality is that even one missing tooth can lead to various complex issues with your oral health. That seemingly harmless void in your jawbone will begin to weaken and deteriorate, eventually leading to bone loss. The surrounding teeth will begin to shift towards the hollow space. This can lead to bite issues and increase your risk for gum disease.
The good news is that if you have a damaged or missing tooth, your dentist in Arlington Heights, IL, offers solutions to replace it. The two main options are an implant-supported dental crown and a dental bridge.
Why Choose a Dental Implant for a Single Missing Tooth?
A dental implant looks and functions like your natural tooth, providing the best solution to replacing your lost tooth. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically implanted into your jawbone to replace the tooth root and support the replacement tooth.
This better preserves the bone and prevents bone loss. The replacement tooth is a dental crown that looks, feels, and functions like your other teeth. It will also not require any extra special care. You can brush and floss as you normally do without food restrictions.
Why a Dental Bridge Might Not Be Your Best Option
For years, dental bridges were the standard way to replace a single missing tooth. They work, and they are sturdy. But here is the trade-off that many patients do not realize until it is too late.
A bridge uses the two teeth next to your gap as anchors. Those healthy teeth have to be ground down, permanently altered, just to hold the bridge in place. Then the bridge, which is really just two crowns connected by a fake tooth in the middle, gets cemented over them.
Now those two teeth are carrying the weight of three. That extra stress can wear them down over time, and because there is no tooth root where the fake one sits, your jawbone in that spot can start to deteriorate. You traded one missing tooth for two weakened ones and a slowly shrinking jawbone.
That is why many patients today choose an implant instead. It stands on its own, does not touch the teeth next to it, and keeps your jawbone healthy by mimicking a real root.
The Cost of a Single Dental Implant
The cost of a single dental implant depends on your specific situation, so it varies from patient to patient. On average, the industry standard lands around $4,000. That amount typically covers the surgical placement, the abutment, the crown, all your visits, and the materials needed along the way.
The price could increase if you require additional pre-treatments, such as a bone graft or gum disease therapy. Also, depending on the location of the missing tooth, the cost of the materials can vary greatly. Learn more about dental implant costs here.
Patient Review
While the cost of an implant-secured dental crown is higher, the advantages are greater. For patients who qualify, Dr. Engelberg always recommends a single dental implant over a dental bridge. To learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation online today at our Arlington Heights, IL, dental office.