Tooth implants are considered the ultimate dental restoration solution for tooth replacement, especially when only a single tooth needs to be
replaced.
Traditionally, the best dental restoration for a single missing tooth was a three-tooth bridge, better known as a three-unit bridge. This type of missing teeth restoration worked by linking three false teeth together. The middle tooth was used to bridge the gap. Even though this type of dental restoration was considered state-of-the-art for many years, it had its limitations.
For
instance, the fabrication of a three-unit bridge required the teeth on both
sides of the gap to be whittled down to allow for the false teeth to be slipped
over the top of the teeth. Because the three teeth were linked together, they
could not be cleaned in the same way as normal teeth. In addition, they required
special dental cleaning tools in order to maintain healthy gum tissue.
Today, dental implants are the first choice to replace missing teeth
and dental restoration. In the
case of a single missing tooth, a tooth implant can be placed by the implant dentist in the jawbone
area of the missing tooth. The implant will serve as a replacement for a tooth
root and an individual dental crown. The total apparatus is referred to as a
single-tooth implant crown.
Once in place, the dental implant crown will look, feel
and function like your natural teeth. They are cleaned and flossed just like
your natural teeth, and best of all, they do not require any special tools to
clean around them, like bridges. Although tooth implants will not decay, they
require that you maintain impeccable oral hygiene.
Does a Dental Implant Crown Last Forever?
Even though dental scientists are developing advanced materials to create a
more durable crown, the old adage "nothing lasts forever" also applies
to dental implant crowns. Because each patient is different, dental implant crowns last a
varied amount of time depending on the patient.
Dental crowns that were thought to last
only 3 to 5 years can last 10 to 20 years if meticulously cared for. On the
other hand, dental crowns that should last for ten or more years can last only two years
in a mouth that is neglected.
The bottom line is that no one can tell you how
long a tooth implant will last, but if you take excellent care of your mouth
and see your dentist every six months, you stand a better chance of extending
the life of your dental implants and other dental restorations.
How Does the Cost of a Dental Implant Crown Compare to a Three-Unit Bridge?
The cost of a three-unit bridge can range from $2,000 to $3,000. The cost of single tooth implants is approximately $3,000. If teeth associated with a
dental bridge fail due to recurrent decay or periodontal disease, ordinarily,
dental restoration
must be done on the entire dental bridge and possibly add a new filling or
build-up of the teeth.
The cost of any foundations under a new dental
bridge will add to the dental restoration and tooth replacement cost. If
and when an dental implant crown has to be reconstructed, most likely, it would
be due to the wearing away of the dental crown material.
The only dental
restoration cost would be for that of a new dental implant crown
and would not incorporate any adjacent teeth. The tooth implant cost over your lifetime would
be much less than compared to a three-unit bridge, and is the most natural
replacement for a missing tooth.
