Dr. Dhara Patel is an experienced restorative dentist in Hoffman Estates, IL. If you have a missing tooth, she can replace it with an affordable dental implant. This quality tooth replacement solution will look completely natural and offers more health benefits than any other solution.
Single-Tooth Dental Implant
There are several options available that can replace a tooth however a dental implant is the most natural. It is growing in popularity due to how realistic it looks and feels. The other options you can choose from include a dental bridge or partial denture but those options come with many downfalls.
A single-tooth implant is better for your oral health because it replaces the tooth at the root and does not harm any remaining teeth. Since the tooth root is replaced, you will not need to worry about bone loss in your jaw.
A dental bridge is often used to replace a single tooth. This option will only replace the tooth and not the missing root. Therefore, the underlying bone will slowly deteriorate over the years. It also requires the use of healthy, remaining teeth. The two teeth (or sometimes one tooth) adjacent to the gap are grinded down to secure the bridge. Extra stress is placed on them as well. However, this is an affordable option to replace a tooth if you do not qualify for an implant.
A partial denture, often called a flipper tooth, is never meant to be a permanent solution for a missing tooth. It is not stable enough to eat a proper diet and requires the use of surrounding teeth to help hold it in place. It is typically used as a temporary solution.
Parts of a Single Dental Implant
There are three parts that make a single-tooth dental implant. These pieces are connected together to create a realistic replacement tooth and can be placed anywhere in the mouth.
- Fixture – A fixture, which is the actual implant post, is the first and most important part. It is surgically placed in the jaw bone and will eventually completely fuse with the surrounding bone after a few months.
- Abutment – After the implant has completely fused, the abutment will be attached to it. This small piece is like the connector piece for the implant and dental crown.
- Dental crown – The last part is the dental crown. It is the piece of the single-tooth implant that is visible and mimics a real tooth.
How much does a single-tooth implant cost?
A single dental implant can replace one tooth for about $1,500 – $5,000. This broad price range is due to the many factors that can influence the total cost. (It may even cost more or less than that.) The current state of your oral health, dental insurance coverage, and the types of materials used will all affect your out-of-pocket cost.
Replacing your tooth with a dental implant secured crown is the best option available for your health and for aesthetic reasons. Contact Dr. Patel in Hoffman Estates, IL to schedule a consultation by requesting an appointment online.
