A missing tooth can negatively impact one’s self-esteem and confidence, especially when it’s one of your front teeth. Fortunately, implant dentistry has come a long way in recent years, providing patients with excellent options for single and multiple tooth replacement.
Options for single tooth replacement
If a tooth is knocked out in an accident or needs to be extracted, there are two traditional restorative methods. One treatment option is a tooth-supported bridge in which the teeth adjacent of the missing tooth, known as the abutment teeth, are filed down to cement in place a “3-unit” bridge. While a fixed bridge is a cost-effective, fast and predictable solution for single tooth replacement, this option carries an increased risk of root decay in otherwise healthy abutment teeth since they are reduced considerably. Clinical studies suggest that if the bridge restoration fails, patients may be at risk for losing the abutment teeth.
People who are not willing to compromise the integrity of healthy teeth with a tooth-supported bridge may want to consider the advantages of a single tooth implant.
Implant supported crown for tooth loss
Dental implants provide the most aesthetically pleasing way to replace a single tooth that is lost due to disease or trauma. A dental implant functions as an artificial tooth root that is solidly integrated with the jawbone. An implant-supported crown looks, feels and works just like your natural teeth. The long-term benefits of dental implants make it worth the investment.
A single tooth implant is comprised of three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the restoration (a custom-made crown). The key advantage of the single tooth implant over a bridge is that the adjacent teeth are not cut down or compromised in any way. Because the titanium implant will fuse with the bone and take the place of a missing tooth root, the surrounding jaw bone will not begin to recede or deteriorate.
Key benefits of a single tooth implant:
- Function like tooth roots, preserving jawbone structure and health
- Designed to last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene
- Looks and functions like a natural tooth
- High patient satisfaction rates
- Improved self-esteem and quality of life
- Easy to care for and will never decay
- Better aesthetic and functional outcome
- No dietary restrictions – eat your favorite foods
- Does not damage adjacent, healthy teeth
Discuss your tooth replacement options
Tooth loss can be a traumatic event at any age. Here at Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery, our primary focus is to help patients regain a beautiful and confident smile. By understanding the benefits and potential drawbacks of single tooth replacement options, our patients can make a more informed decision when moving forward.
If you need to replace a missing tooth, we invite you to reach out for a private consultation today. Our Bucks County offices are convenient to residents throughout Bucks and Montgomery County.
Additional Resources:
- Colgate, Single Tooth Implants https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/implants/single-tooth-implants
- WebMD, Dental Implants https://www.webmd.com/oms/dental-implant-surgery