If you are missing a single tooth, a single dental implant and a dental crown can replace it. Choosing this type of restoration over other options has its advantages. Your replacement tooth will look and function like a natural tooth and is better for your oral health.
The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry offers several options to replace one missing tooth. However, Dr. Abraham Stein will recommend a single dental implant in most cases. Not only is it the most natural option, it has over a 95% success rate. We preform every step of the implant process in our Skokie, IL, dental office.
Single Dental Implant
Unlike other options, a single tooth dental implant will replace the missing tooth’s root, and hold a dental crown firmly in place. The implant post preserves the jaw bone by replacing the root, keeping it healthy and intact.
Since the new tooth is sturdy, there are little to no eating restrictions. A dental implant-supported crown is easy to maintain, and requires only the same care as a natural tooth. Thanks to advances in dentistry, the crown will look and feel just like a real tooth.
Our dentist will surgically place the implant post in the jaw bone, in the location of the missing tooth. Sometimes, Dr. Stein can immediately attach the crown. He may decide to let it remain without a temporary crown for a few months while your mouth heals. During the healing phase, the implant post and the surrounding bone will fuse to form 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, Dr. Stein will secure the permanent crown to the abutment. Dental implants are a long-term investment in your dental health.
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 replace a missing tooth. A bridge is a series of artificial teeth on bridgework. Two dental crowns sit on each end with the replacement tooth (the pontic) in the middle. This option will cost much less and takes less than a month to complete.
The downside to choosing this option is that the dentist needs to grind down the surrounding teeth to make room for the dental crowns. The dentist will also need to cement the bridgework to these neighboring teeth. Basically, he will damage two perfectly healthy teeth to replace a single tooth. While this option is cheaper and faster, it will damage healthy teeth and also create extra stress on them.
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