Just one missing tooth can lead to many other health issues from chronic halitosis to an increased risk of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay. It is also a cosmetic issue since it will alter the aesthetics of your smile, possibly leading to lower self-esteem. Seeking treatment immediately is important to preventing these oral health concerns and improving the appearance of your smile.
Dr. Ira Goldberg is a dental implant dentist located in Succasunna, NJ. He performs all phases of the implant process in-house for your convenience. Dental implants are now the number one solution for missing teeth because they mimic the function and structure of natural teeth while also offering the most aesthetic solution for your smile.
Why Choose a Single Dental Implant?
An implant-supported dental crown offers many benefits compared to your other options. Alternative methods include a dental bridge or partial denture. The surrounding teeth will need to be altered with a dental bridge to accommodate and support the bridgework.
This will essentially damage those teeth and put a lot of stress on them. A partial is not an ideal solution for a missing tooth. While it will replace the tooth, it will not be able to function like one. Partial dentures have many eating restrictions, and the clasps to hold them in place are sometimes visible.
A dental implant does not harm your surrounding teeth and will look just like your surrounding teeth. There are no eating restrictions allowing you to continue eating a healthy diet. An implant will also replace the missing tooth root and prevent bone deterioration.
Parts of a Dental Implant
There are three main parts to a dental implant:
- The implant post: This is a small, titanium screw-like post that is used to replace the missing tooth root and support the dental crown.
- The abutment: This is a tiny connector piece that is attached to the dental implant.
- The dental crown: The dental crown is the piece that will replace the tooth. It will be custom-made from impressions of your teeth to blend in naturally.
The Single Dental Implant Process
If you have a single missing tooth, Dr. Goldberg will first make sure you qualify for it. He requires that patients not smoke, have good overall health, and have no other oral health issues. During your consultation, he will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums as well as review your full medical history. If you qualify, our helpful staff will schedule your implant surgery.
Every step of the implant process will occur at our Succasunna, NJ dentist’s office. The first is to have the dental implant surgically placed in the jaw bone in the void created by the missing tooth. It will be left to heal and go through a process called osseointegration. This is when the surrounding bone fuses with the implant creating a strong base for the dental crown.
Once the implant is fused, and the tissues are healed, Dr. Goldberg will attach the custom-made dental crown. The crown will be natural-looking and also function just like a real tooth. Caring for this type of restoration requires a normal oral hygiene routine that includes regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits.
How much does an implant cost?
A single dental implant, on average, may cost up to $4,500. This is for the implant fixture, abutment, and crown but does not include the cost of additional services that may be required. If you suffer from bone loss or periodontal disease, you will need additional treatment before beginning the dental implant process. The helpful staff at Morris County Dental Associates is available to help you navigate through dental insurance claims and payments.