Unfortunately, different reasons may cause teeth or tooth loss, such as aging, accidents, or poor oral health. Whatever the case, it is an issue that can affect your confidence and further damage to your oral health! That means you risk your dental health if you fail to replace your missing tooth. This is why dentists advise their patients to have that one tooth replaced through a single-tooth dental implant procedure.
Given the costs involved, it is not an easy decision, and you’re probably thinking, It’s only a single tooth; what could go wrong? Or is it good or bad for me? These are common questions among many people seeking to understand whether the procedure is worth it.
Read on to get an answer to your questions, and you can finally make the best decision for your oral health!
Options for Tooth Replacement
If you are missing a tooth and thinking about the best option for replacement, there are different options that you may consider. Let’s look at two standard available options for your tooth replacement.
One of the available options is the placement of a tooth-supported bridge. In this option, the teeth next to the missing tooth, commonly referred to as the abutment teeth, are filed down to the level of the replacement bridge. The option is a cost-effective and fast solution for your single tooth replacement.
However, your dentist will most likely explain the risks associated with this option, such as the decay of the filed teeth that may affect other healthy teeth. Evidence from clinical studies indicates that bridge restoration increases the risk of the loss of abutment teeth. If you are not willing to compromise the health of healthy teeth with a tooth-supported bridge, consider the second option.
The second option is dental implants for single-tooth replacement. Dental implant placement for your single tooth involves the use of a titanium rod screwed into the jaw, specifically in the hole where the missing tooth was held. The titanium rod fuses with the jaw to hold the crown. The crown is custom-fitted and aligned with your natural teeth, including its color.
The procedure is quick and can be completed in one dental appointment with your dentist. The artificial tooth will look, feel, and work like your natural teeth. A long-term solution with minimized risks makes the investment worth it!
The Benefits of Single-Tooth Dental Implants
Dental implants offer the best clinical solution to replace a lost tooth. Replacing that missing tooth with dental implants presents several benefits that supersede other tooth replacement options. Here are six advantages that make dental implants for a single tooth right for you!
- Maintaining the Health of Adjacent Teeth: Alternatives for tooth replacement, such as dental bridges, require the filing of adjacent health teeth that risk oral health. Conversely, a single-tooth dental implant is independent, contributing to and preserving the health of neighboring teeth. They maintain continued teeth functionality and oral health.
- Improved Speech: If you have dentures or bridges that your dentist did not place correctly, you will most likely have issues with your speech, such as slurring your words. Sometimes, your unfitted dentures may slip off, affecting smooth speech. However, dental implants are held in place and designed to match your tooth, continuing your normal speech as if you never missed a tooth!
- Improved Dental Health: A missing tooth leaves a hole in your mouth, increasing the risk of bacterial infections and discomfort as you chew food. The single-tooth implant is anchored into the hole, covering it and, in the process, eliminating uneasiness and the possibility of dental infections.
- Ease in Chewing: It is difficult to chew correctly and comfortably with your missing tooth! You probably dread eating as you imagine how food will remain in the hole, increasing the chances of foul odor and infections. A dental implant that functions like the rest of your natural teeth will make it easy to chew your food and clean your teeth comfortably.
- Easy to Maintain: Dental implants are easy to maintain compared to other options. First, they are not removable since they are anchored in the jawbone. Therefore, they are easy to clean. You can follow the cleaning routine for your natural teeth! You will surely have a long-lasting tooth that is easier to maintain.
- Long-Term Solution: Considering the benefits listed, a dental implant is durable. Coupled with continued proper care, it will last a lifetime. That makes them the best solution to preserve your oral health.
By now, you know the answer to your question. Yes! Dental implants for a single tooth replacement are right for you! It will offer you a permanent, healthy solution to your oral health. Are you considering the expense? Consider it a worthy investment considering the risks associated with the alternative solutions.
