If you have a single missing tooth, you may not believe that replacing it is very important. However, many people are unaware of the consequences that a small gap in their smile can bring. Even one missing tooth may lead to gum tissue deterioration, bone loss, the drifting of your remaining natural teeth, and further tooth loss. At Kobza Dental, we’re proud to offer treatments that can replace your tooth, improve your smile’s appearance, and protect your oral health.
Patients can pay anywhere between $500 to $2000 for each individual dental implant post. The cost depends in large part on the material used to create the implant, the manufacturer that produces the implant, and the size and type of implant post. In addition to this, there is also the price of the tooth replacement prosthetic to consider. To replace a single missing tooth, a patient will pay about $3000 on average. The cost of more advanced restorations will increase from there.
There are basically two ways to replace a missing tooth:
A fixed bridge consists of two crowns, which your dentist in Falls City places over the teeth that are next to the gap (the abutment teeth), and an artificial tooth that goes between them. A well-made fixed bridge offers a sturdy and natural-looking way to repair your smile. This type of prosthesis will prevent your remaining natural teeth from drifting out of place. It is also sturdy enough to stand up to everyday life and may last for 10 to 15 years, or longer.
A single-tooth implant is a small titanium cylinder that an oral surgeon inserts into your jaw during a minimally invasive procedure. It serves as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Following the placement surgery, the implant forms a strong bond with the bone around it through a process known as osseointegration. Once this occurs, Dr. Kobza places an implant-retained crown on top of the implant. This type of restoration functions just like a natural tooth and has the potential to last for 30 years or longer if it receives proper care.
Although both fixed bridges and dental implants are suitable solutions for tooth loss, we often recommend implant-retained crowns for patients who are candidates for the procedure. Implant dentistry offers a number of distinct advantages over regular bridges:
If you are missing a tooth, or you may have to get a tooth extracted soon, it is vital that you fill in the gap! To learn more about how Dr. Kobza and the rest of our team can help you regain a complete smile, contact our office to ask questions or schedule a consultation.
