Many of us have been involved in accidents and many of us may have neglected our teeth when we were younger. Losing a tooth for whatever reason can still cause a large amount of insecurity. Not only does a missing tooth look disagreeable but it promotes oral health problems including gum disease, bad breath and problems chewing. It may seem that replacing a missing tooth will be difficult or cost a small fortune but with a bit of advice here, you can see for yourself that the process is not as bad as everyone deems it to be!
What Are Dental Implants?
Simply put, dental implants come in the form of a metal rod, which is usually comprised of titanium due to its strength and antibacterial properties. The small rod is designed to prop up restoration treatments, which for a single tooth replacement will often come in the form of a dental crown. A single tooth dental implant is designed in a way that will match the surrounding teeth, so onlookers won’t even notice that you’ve had a tooth replaced!
Replacing a Single Tooth
Replacing a single tooth is a very simple process. Firstly, the patient is prepared for the surgery and is placed under general anaesthetic so they cannot feel any pain. Then a small incision is made within the gum, into which the small rod is inserted into the jawbone. The temporary crown is then attached to the abutment, which forms the top of the implant outside the jawbone. The final step is often performed several months later, as it gives the implant time to merge with the jawbone. After the jawbone has successfully healed the final crown, which is shaped and colour-matched to the surrounding teeth, will be added.
Why Use A Dental Implant?
Many opt for a single tooth dental implant over a bridge or denture for example for a number of reasons, including:
- Dental implants replace the root of the tooth, which means a stronger and sturdier form of restoration.
- Dentures and bridges need replacing every few years whereas dental implants are designed to last a lot longer, provided they are well taken care of.
- Dental implants are much easier to take care of as they form part of the natural mouth. The single tooth implant doesn’t need removing for cleaning and there are no gaps in which food can now be trapped in, for example.
How Much Does A Single Tooth Implant Cost?
The cost of the single tooth dental implant is dependent upon several factors. Firstly, if you require any gum grafts or bone grafts, then expect to pay more. Furthermore, the expertise of the dentist will likely increase the cost of the procedure, the more experienced the dentist, the more money you are likely to pay. Remember that single tooth implants are a permanent restoration, so they aren’t going to be cheap! Please take into consideration the standard of your replacement crown, high quality materials are likely to cost you more but will last much longer.
If you are craving the perfect smile and feel that your missing tooth is getting you down then do something about it today! It is highly advisable that you make an appointment with your local cosmetic dentist to discuss in detail if a single tooth implant is right for you.