A single missing tooth is not something you should ignore. You must find a replacement even if it’s only a single gap in your smile. Missing teeth can have a major effect on your oral health and overall wellbeing. A single missing tooth may not seem like much, but it can cause other teeth to shift, affect your ability to chew and speak properly, and lead to bite and jaw problems.
To prevent these issues from occurring, it is important to find a replacement for the missing tooth as soon as possible. Fortunately, Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer are expert dentists in Columbia, SC that can provide an implant-supported dental crown! We can treat your tooth loss using the best treatment option possible.
An implant-supported crown is the best option, however there are other choices if you do not qualify for dental implants. Continue reading to learn about how we can help you regain a complete smile and improve your oral health at the same time.
Why Should I Replace One Single Missing Tooth?
Replacing a single missing tooth is important for the health and function of your mouth. Not only can a missing tooth cause problems with eating and speaking, but it can also lead to other dental problems such as shifting teeth, gum disease, and bone loss. Replacing the missing tooth will help you restore both your smile and your oral health. It also helps to prevent further damage that could happen by leaving the gap in your mouth.
While it may not seem harmful, having even just one lost tooth will speed up bone deterioration. The jawbone is at risk of becoming weaker and eventually degrade. This will cause other healthy teeth to become loose and possibly fall out. Your gums will begin to recede around the gap as well.
Also, the gap in your smile may cause your other teeth to shift. This can create crooked teeth and bite issues that can lead to a TMJ disorder. Overall, you are at a higher risk for further tooth loss, gum disease, tooth decay, and more if you have a single missing tooth and do not replace it in time.
Get an Implant-supported Dental Crown at Our Columbia Dental Office
An implant-supported crown consists of a dental crown that your dentist will secure to a single dental implant. Before we can begin the procedure, you will first need to qualify for dental implant surgery. Dr. Trinkner or Dr. Keefer will consult with you to determine if you are a candidate for oral surgery and a dental implant. During your consultation, we will evaluate your oral health and review the entire implant-supported crown process with you. At its core, you will need to e in good oral health, free of gum disease, and have a healthy jaw.
Next, our dentist will prepare you for oral surgery. The surgeon will insert the dental implant post into the jawbone at the void in your arch. It will take several months for the surrounding bone to fuse with the dental implant post. After the healing period, our dentist will attach a custom dental crown to the implant post. With that the process is complete!
Since the implant fuses to the bone, it will hold the crown in place very well. Your new implant-supported dental crown will essentially function just like a natural tooth. The implant will also act as a tooth root, supporting your other dental structures. This will stimulate bone growth and help prevent bone loss in your jaw as well.
Other tooth replacement options such as partials dentures and dental bridges will not prevent bone loss. Additionally, they will add stress to your remaining teeth. A traditionally dental bridge will even require our dentist to permanently reduce one or two adjacent teeth in size.
How much does an implant-supported dental crown cost?
A single dental implant and a dental crown require surgical procedures, several doctor’s visits, high quality materials, and a high level of skill to complete. On average, you should prepare yourself to spend up to $5,000. However, this price point could change depending on your dental insurance and whether or not you require any pre-treatment.
How quickly can I replace a single missing tooth?
Replacing a single missing tooth can be done quickly and easily. Depending on the type of restoration you choose, you could have your new tooth in as little as one day. Our dentists will be able to evaluate your individual case and provide an estimated timeline for your treatment. We will take into consideration factors such as the type of restoration, how much preparation you need, and any other special circumstances that might affect the timeline for your treatment. With our expertise, you can expect to have a beautiful smile again in no time!
However, replacing a tooth using an implant-supported crown can take up to a year. It involves an exam, tests, and preparation before the actual placement of the implant. The longest part of the process is the healing phase. This can take three to six months. After your initial exam, our dentist can give you a time line of your entire treatment.
Schedule a Consult for an Implant-supported Crown in Columbia, SC
Schedule an appointment with one of our talented dentists to find out why an implant-supported dental crown is the best option for a single missing tooth. Contact Trinkner and Keefer in Columbia, SC to book your appointment today. To learn more about our dental implant services, see: