Not all dental procedures are created equal. When it comes to your teeth and smile’s appearance and health, everyone wants the absolute best treatment available. However, some people do not have insurance or cannot afford costly specialty services procedures. Let’s take a look at what is involved with a single tooth implant and how it may affect your wallet.
Defining a Tooth Implant
Medically known as a dental implant, a tooth implant is considered the best treatment option for replacing one or more missing teeth. An implant is actually made up of three parts that include:
- A metal post
- An abutment
- A dental crown
Materials Found in Tooth Implants
The first part of the tooth implant, the titanium post, is made from a titanium alloy. Titanium is used because it is a strong metal that does not react to organic matter found in the body. This is extremely important when placing something inside your mouth.
Durability Is One Benefit that Makes a Tooth Implant a Superior Choice
A dental implant is now considered to be the gold standard of treatment for replacing missing teeth. One reason is that an implant is extremely durable, particularly in other options like dentures or dental bridges.
A dental bridge, for example, can be expected to last for around 10 years. Properly cared for, a tooth implant should last for the rest of your life.
Important Implant Benefits
Many patients wonder if they can leave a missing tooth alone. Although this is certainly an option, it is not a treatment option without consequences. For one thing, without the presence of your original tooth or a replacement, your jawbone will begin melting away. This can even affect your facial appearance, particularly when the missing tooth is located in the front part of your mouth.
A tooth implant serves both functionally and cosmetically as a natural tooth does. It will prevent bone loss and provide a solid chewing surface to develop your bite or problems like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
The Cost of a Single Tooth Implant
Every patient is different, so the number of appointments, procedures, and expenses related to your dental implant will vary. Tooth implants are extremely customizable, which is one reason that they look so natural.
Having said that, the cost of a single tooth implant is great value compared to other tooth replacement options. Even though the initial outlay may be higher, implants can be expected to last a lifetime. Compare this with treatment options like dental bridges that only last for a decade or so and can compromise adjacent tooth health that further adds to the overall expense. A dental implant is a better value over the lifetime of your dental treatment.
A tooth implant’s average cost for replacing a single tooth ranges from $3,000-$4,500. The main factor in obtaining the lowest cost is checking with a dental implant expert who is credentialed in their field.
If you see an unusually low estimate for receiving a single tooth implant, you may want to consider if it is too good to be true. Be sure to ask plenty of questions, including if a bone graft treatment is necessary. If you have gone with a missing tooth for a long period of time, you have likely lost significant bone mass under the tooth. In such a case, you may require a bone graft before receiving your tooth implant, significantly adding to your treatment costs.
Schedule Your Consultation at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village
If you are interested in the specialty services provided by Lovett Dental Piney Point Village, such as a single tooth implant, we encourage you to contact our dental office to schedule your initial consultation. Call Lovett Dental Piney Point Village at 832-242-2030 today.
