If you are missing a single tooth, a single dental implant and a dental crown can replace it. There are many advantages to choosing this type of restoration over other options. Your replacement tooth will look and function like a natural tooth and is better for your oral health.
While The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry does offer several options to replace a missing tooth, Dr. Abraham Stein will recommend a single dental implant. Not only is it the most natural option, it has over a 95% success rate. Every step of the implant process is performed in our Skokie, IL dentist office.
Single Dental Implant
Unlike other options, a single dental implant will replace the missing tooth’s root as well as hold a dental crown firmly in place. By replacing the root with an implant, the jaw bone is preserved and will remain healthy and intact. Since the new tooth is sturdy, there are little to no eating restrictions. A crown that is supported by a dental implant is easy to care for, requiring the same care as a natural tooth. Thanks to advances in dentistry, the crown will look and feel just like a real tooth.
The implant will be surgically placed in the jaw bone in the location of the missing tooth at our Skokie, IL dentist office. Sometimes, the crown can be attached immediately, or Dr. Stein may decide to let it remain undisturbed for a few months. During this healing phase, the implant and the surrounding bone will fuse together, forming a secure bond. Dr. Stein will then select and place the appropriate size abutment. We will then begin the process of fabricating your custom-made dental crown. After an additional few weeks of healing, the permanent crown will be secured to the abutment and implant.
The cons to choosing a dental implant to replace your tooth involve time and money. The process will take months to complete, possibly even longer, depending on the state of your oral health. While age is not a factor, you must be healthy enough and have enough bone to support the implant. Also, the price for an implant-supported crown typically costs more than your other tooth replacement options.
Dental Implant vs. Dental Bridge
A tooth-supported, fixed dental bridge can also be used to replace a missing tooth. A bridge is a series of teeth that are fused together to create the bridgework. Two dental crowns are located on each end with the replacement tooth (the pontic) located in the middle. This option will cost much less and takes less than a month to complete.
The downside to choosing this option is the neighboring teeth will need to be ground down to make room for the dental crowns. The bridgework will need to be cemented to these neighboring teeth. Two perfectly healthy teeth will be damaged to replace a single tooth. While this option is cheaper and faster, it will damage healthy teeth and also create extra stress on them.