Nobody wants to lose their teeth or tooth. Nevertheless, it happens for different reasons. The best way forward is to seek a permanent solution that upholds oral health! Your dentist will present various options for the replacement of your missing tooth. It is up to you to select the best choice based on several factors, particularly the benefits of each option. 

Based on the available options, the best solution for your missing tooth is dental implant placement for a single tooth! Do you want to know why it is right for you? Please read on!

What Are Single Tooth Dental Implants?

Before we delve into the intricacies of dental implants and why they should be your only option, you need to understand their component first. 

Dental implants are modern solutions to tooth loss, which your dentist will suggest as the best alternative to bridges and dentures. They are considered the best because they offer a permanent solution if placed successfully.

Here are the components of a single-tooth implant:

• The Implant: The titanium rod is placed into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. The implant acts as an artificial root for the missing tooth. The part infuses with the jawbone to form a permanent anchor for the artificial tooth.
• Abutment: The abutment is the connector piece that links the dental implant and the artificial tooth, also known as the crown.
• The Crown: The crown is the visible artificial tooth. It is part of the implant that is custom-made to blend with your natural teeth. It is the teeth-looking part of the implant.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Dental Implants for Single Tooth Replacement

If you are to decide whether dental implants for your single tooth are right for you, you need to evaluate the advantages against the disadvantages.

Advantages

• Takes up the functions of natural Teeth: The most significant advantage is that a dental implant takes up the functions of a natural tooth. It will appear like a natural tooth. You can also chew, talk, and care for your teeth normally. It will also improve your dental health and overall oral health. It will be challenging to differentiate between a natural tooth and an artificial one from the naked eye.
• Long-term solution: Your dentist will tell you that a dental implant tooth is a permanent solution! With proper care, it can last a lifetime. They are the best option compared to bridges and dentures that need to be replaced over time.
• Less invasive procedure: Unlike other options, such as bridges that require filing neighboring natural teeth, dental implants do not require invading or changing natural teeth. The single-tooth implant ensures the health of natural teeth through a more conservative placement procedure.
• Prevention of Jawbone loss: Dental implant placement is the only option that preserves jawbone strength and mass. A weak jawbone deteriorates dental health by compromising healthy teeth, which may result in poor oral health in the long term. A single-tooth dental implant will prevent this and uphold dental health.
• High Success Rate: Dental implant placement procedures have a high success rate! This makes them a reliable option for your tooth replacement. All you need is an expert who understands the procedure and your cooperation during and after placement to achieve success.

Disadvantages

• Costly: A single-tooth dental implant costs more than other tooth replacement options. Dental insurance may not cover extra costs for additional procedures, requiring you to cover the expenses from your pocket.
• Multiple Visits to the Dentist: You may have to make several visits to your dentist depending on the level of damage to your mouth. In such a case, the placed implant must be healed before the crown is placed. The process will take longer, requiring you to see your dentist several times.
• Success depends on skill: A successful dental implant procedure depends on your dentist’s expertise. You must choose a dentist with a lot of experience with dental implants and who understands the procedure. Unsuccessful placement and healing can lead to additional issues to your oral health and possible damages.

Based on the analysis above, the advantages of dental implants for a single tooth outweigh the drawbacks! Nevertheless, if you have medical issues that make the procedure difficult, you may decide against undergoing a dental implant procedure. 

Irrespective of the listed disadvantages, the benefits establish dental implants as the best modern solution for your missing tooth! Replacing a tooth with one that looks and functions like your natural teeth makes more sense. It is worth the cost of several visits to your dentist. 

The secret is choosing a skilled and experienced dentist who will help restore your oral health successfully and, in the process, that confident, charming smile.