When a tooth is missing or requires extraction, you need to have a replacement tooth put in the open space. Using the time, effort, and money to replace one missing tooth seems like a lot, but the damage it can cause requires expensive and invasive treatment. Dr. Conover will recommend replacing the tooth with a single dental implant in his Philadelphia, PA, office rather than a bridge or partial denture. Dental implants have a success rate of about 97% and are the most natural solution to tooth loss.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Losing a tooth may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to several serious problems over time. Your teeth work together to help you chew, speak, and maintain a balanced bite. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth and jawbone are affected, which can lead to long-term oral health issues.
Here are some of the problems that can happen if you do not replace a missing tooth:
- Uneven bite: The teeth around the gap may shift, causing your bite to become misaligned. This can lead to discomfort, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing properly. It may lead to digestive problems if you cannot properly chew food. Because you cannot eat harder foods, you may also have nutrition problems.
- Tooth loss: When one tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth take on extra pressure. If you lose a tooth because of an infection, you are more at risk of losing other teeth. Your teeth may weaken and fall out over time.
- Speech Problems: Teeth play a big role in how we speak. If you lose a tooth, especially one in the front, it can make it harder to pronounce certain words clearly. This may cause slurred speech or a slight lisp.
- Shifting Teeth: Teeth naturally move over time, but when there’s a gap, neighboring teeth start to drift into the empty space. This can lead to crowding, spacing issues, or an uneven bite. You may need braces or clear aligners to fit teeth as they become more crooked.
- Extra Pressure on Surrounding Teeth: When a tooth is missing, the remaining teeth must work harder when chewing. Over time, this can put too much stress on the surrounding teeth. It can increase the risk of wear, cracks, or damage.
- Jawbone Loss: Teeth help stimulate the jawbone when you chew, keeping it strong and healthy. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area begins to shrink. Over time, this can change the shape of your face, making your cheeks look sunken and causing premature aging.
About a Single Dental Implant in Philadelphia, PA
A dental implant is a screw-like metal post that we surgically implant into the jaw bone. Once placed in the jawbone where the tooth once was, it takes about two to five months to fully heal and fuse with the surrounding bone. Then, we attach a small piece called an abutment to the implant during a simple procedure. After a few more weeks of healing, we attach a dental crown to the implant/abutment. The crown serves as the replacement tooth.
The single best reason dental implants are superior to other solutions is that they replace the tooth root. This stimulates the bone tissue (just as the tooth root once did) and prevents bone loss. No one will ever know you have a fake tooth because the implant-supported crown will look like a natural tooth, blending in with the rest of your smile.
You will care for it the same way you care for your other teeth: brushing and flossing every day and visiting our Philadelphia dentist office twice a year for a regular checkup. An implant-supported crown also allows you to eat all the foods you love without restrictions.
The Cost of a Single Dental Implant
A dental implant will cost more than a dental bridge or partial denture. A single implant will cost at least $5,000. This is because getting it placed involves multiple visits and several procedures. It will also take months to complete, compared to the weeks it will take for the other options.
Before starting your dental implant treatment, we will go over the estimated cost with you so you know what to expect. We understand that dental care is an investment, and we want to help make it as affordable as possible.
To help with the cost, we offer financing options to fit your budget. Our office accepts CareCredit and LendingClub, which allow you to pay for your treatment in smaller, more manageable monthly payments instead of all at once.
If you have any questions about pricing or payment options, our team is happy to help you find a solution that works for you!
Single Dental Implant vs a Bridge or Partial Denture
A dental implant offers many more benefits comparatively. A dental bridge requires grinding down the two adjacent teeth. We must also attach the bridge to these teeth, which adds a lot of pressure. You don’t have to damage other teeth for a single dental implant before placement.
A partial denture uses metal clasps that hold the replacement tooth in place. These metal clasps, however, may be noticeable while smiling. This restoration is also not very durable and can slip around and even fall out while eating or speaking.
You must care for it nightly during your normal oral care routine. Since we surgically place an implant in the jaw bone, it provides a durable and stable base for the dental crown. It will not slip around or fall out, and you can care for it like your other natural teeth.
Replace a Lost Tooth
Get a single dental implant in Philadelphia, PA. Call Dr. Derek Conover at (215) 395-6076. You can also request an appointment with us online. If you have questions about implant treatment, let us know. We’ll be happy to help!
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