Replace a Single Missing Tooth with a Dental Implant or Bridge
Any case of a missing tooth can affect your speech, smile, eating habits and confidence, even if only one is gone. In most cases where a single tooth is missing, Dr. Ross recommends a dental implant or a bridge to replace the tooth. Comprehensive full-mouth dental implants are also available for patients with multiple missing teeth.
Single Tooth Implants vs Dental Bridges
Advantages of Tooth Implants
Dental implants are the most natural-looking and feeling way to replace a missing tooth. You’ll be able to eat, talk and smile naturally with a tooth implant. Not only will your tooth implant match your own natural teeth, it prevents bone loss and decay in the jaw, which occurs when teeth are missing. On average, a single tooth implant procedure takes 1-2 hours and has a recovery time of 2-4 months. Each tooth implant procedure is unique.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is the most common non-implant option for replacing a missing tooth. A 3-unit dental bridge is made up of a crown on each side with a bridge (false tooth) in the middle. They are low maintenance and quickly become comfortable. One drawback of using a dental bridge is grinding down the healthy teeth alongside the missing tooth so the crown will stay in place. For patients who already have crowns or need crowns on adjacent teeth, a dental bridge is the preferred option.
Disadvantages of a Dental Bridge
If you have an issue with any part of your Bridge, a repair may mean you must replace the whole Bridge. In some cases, a cavity or complication on one of the Bridge teeth may only be remedied by removing the current Bridge and the affected tooth and replacing it with a new and larger Bridge.
Cost of Dental Implant vs Bridge for Replacing a Missing Tooth
A dental implant is the most cost-effective way to replace a missing tooth. It can cost more upfront compared to a dental bridge (on average between $3,000 and $5,000 per tooth for an implant vs $1000 to $1500 per tooth for a bridge). But dental implants generally last longer and require less maintenance and repair work than other tooth replacement options, saving money over the long run.
Affordable Dental Implants for a Missing Tooth
The price of dental implants depends on many factors including the type of implant, the location of the dental office, the overall health of the patient and the number of teeth being replaced. Ross Dental offers tooth implant consultations, expert services and flexible payment options. We accept most dental insurance plans and ensure replacing a missing tooth is a comfortable procedure with sedation dentistry.
Ross Dental Services in Southeastern Wisconsin
Ross Dental in New Berlin and Waukesha serves patients from locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Brookfield, West Allis, Muskego, Pewaukee, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Franklin, Elm Grove, Mukwonago, Big Bend, North Prairie and Wales.