Dr. Jessica Christy, a Hendersonville, NC dentist, offers several solutions for patients who suffer from tooth loss. Even a single missing or damaged tooth should be replaced. It may seem harmless, but it can cause harm to your oral health in the long run. Dr. Christy recommends a single dental implant as this is the most natural way to replace a tooth.
Single Dental Implant
This process involves placing one implant post in the jaw bone and then capping it off with a dental crown. Placing the implant fixture requires an oral facial surgery. During this procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums to access the bone. Then they will drill a small hole in the bone and insert the implant. It needs about three to six months to completely fuse with the jaw bone. After that, it will be sturdy enough to support a dental crown. The dental crown will be custom made to blend in naturally with the rest of your smile.
The dental implant fixture will not only support the dental crown, but it will also replace the missing tooth root. There are currently no other tooth replacement solutions that will replace a tooth root.
Single Dental Implant vs A Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is also a treatment option for a single missing tooth. However, the implant-supported crown will imitate a real tooth, not harm other teeth, and is easier to care for.
With a traditional dental bridge, the teeth that are on both sides of the gap are needed to support it. Your dentist will have to prepare them the same way a tooth is prepared for a dental crown. Two perfectly healthy teeth have to be permanently reduced in size to support the bridge. Additionally, these two teeth have to endure extra stress. This makes them more prone to decay and damage.
An implant supported dental crown is very easy to care for. You simply treat it like a natural tooth. You will need to brush it and floss around it like you do with the rest of your teeth.
A fixed dental bridge is trickier to care for. If food gets stuck under it, you will have to remove it to avoid problems with your gums. We suggest daily flossing under the bridge to keep the gums healthy.
A dental implant will help avoid bone loss. This is a serious concern for people who lose a tooth. Once that tooth is lost, the bone beneath begins to degrade. The implant post will act as a tooth root and prevent the bone from degrading. It will actually provide the bone with enough stimulation to regenerate. A fixed dental bridge will not prevent bone loss in the jaw. It only replaces the crown portion of the tooth and not the root.
How much is a single dental implant cost?
A single dental implant will cost more than a fixed bridge. This is because the treatment requires surgery, advanced materials, and more preparation. Each patient is different and will have different needs. We encourage you to schedule an appointment to determine how much your implant will cost. A single dental implant capped off with a custom dental crown can cost between $3,000 and $4,500.
Schedule an Appointment for a Single Dental Implant in Hendersonville, NC
Book a dental appointment today at Orchard Hill Dental to discuss your options for replacing a missing or damaged tooth. Dr. Christy will examine your teeth to determine if a single dental implant is the right solution for you. Contact our Hendersonville, NC dental practice at (828) 247-7001 or use our online request form.