A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jaw bone. This post acts as a tooth root to provide a strong and stable foundation. An implant is a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for a missing tooth. Dr. Sahil Goyal is a Columbia, MD dentist specializing in helping patients renew their smiles. It is important to fill in that missing gap in your smile because even just one missing tooth can affect your oral health, confidence, and well-being.
Patients who do not replace a tooth soon after it is lost are more prone to further bone loss and shifting or overcrowded teeth. These problems can lead to TMJ disorders and gum disease, as well as chewing and speech issues.
Single Dental Implant in Columbia, MD
A single dental implant can replace a missing tooth without damaging surrounding teeth. An implant is a natural and sustainable replacement that is easier to clean than other restorations. Dr. Goyal will coordinate your treatment and create a customized plan for your smile.
He will surgically implant your titanium post. For a period of three to six months, the titanium post will fuse with the natural bone, which helps the implant support the bone structure of the jaw. The post is also a secure base for the abutment and the dental crown. After the implant is healed, Dr. Goyal secures a custom dental crown to the abutment. Dental crowns are white porcelain ceramic materials that the dentist color-matches to natural teeth.
A dental implant allows patients to maintain a normal oral hygiene routine without any dietary restrictions. In addition, patients who receive implant treatment speak and eat easily with the insurance of long-term support.
Simple Tooth Extractions
Dr. Goyal may recommend a simple tooth extraction if one of your teeth is affected by severe tooth decay or damage. We always try to preserve natural teeth with dental fillings or root canals. However, if a tooth extraction is necessary, we will immediately place a dental implant in the gap. This is the next best solution to saving the natural tooth.
How Much Does A Single Implant Cost?
A single dental implant averages about $4,500. This cost includes materials, surgical placement, and dental restoration. This cost will vary from patient to patient. It changes based on the location of the missing tooth, the size of the implant, or any pre-treatments, including gum disease therapy or tooth extraction.
Do I qualify for an implant?
Most people will qualify for a single dental implant. There must be enough bone to support the implant. However, you get a bone graft to build back up the bone in that location. You should also have good oral health. Once the implant is in place after surgery, it must have a healthy environment to heal and thrive. This also means you should refrain from using any form of tobacco in order to qualify for a dental implant.
Patient Review
Why Replace a Lost Tooth
Losing a single tooth, especially one that isn’t right in the front of your smile, might not feel like an emergency. It’s easy to think you can just leave it alone, especially if it doesn’t hurt and isn’t visible.
However, choosing not to replace a single missing tooth can cause a chain reaction of problems in your mouth. That one empty space is more significant than it seems. What starts as a small issue can slowly develop into major concerns for your oral health.
Your Teeth Will Begin to Shift Out of Place
The most immediate problem from a gap in your teeth is that the teeth next to it will begin to shift. Your teeth naturally support each other. They’re held in a steady position by the pressure and contact from their neighbors. When one tooth is gone, that support system breaks down.
The tooth behind the gap may start to tilt forward into the open space. This movement is usually very slow, so you might not notice it happening at first. Over time, this shifting can throw your entire bite out of alignment. A misaligned bite can cause difficulties with chewing, make your teeth harder to clean, and even cause jaw pain or headaches from the extra stress on your jaw joints.
You Risk Losing Precious Jawbone
Another issue that’s hidden from view is what happens to your jawbone. The roots of your teeth do an important job of stimulating the jawbone every time you chew. This stimulation sends a message to your body to keep the bone in that area strong and healthy.
When a tooth is extracted, the root is gone and that stimulation stops. Your body receives a signal that the bone in that area is no longer needed. It begins to resorb, or break down, and the bone volume gradually decreases.
This process of bone loss doesn’t just affect the spot where the tooth was missing. It can weaken the support for the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. It can also cause the shape of your face to change over many years, leading to a sunken look that can make you look older.
Cleaning Your Teeth Becomes Much Harder
A missing tooth can create oral hygiene challenges that increase your risk for further decay and gum disease. Those shifted and tilted teeth create new tight spaces and overlapping areas. Food particles and plaque get trapped in these hard-to-reach places.
This buildup of plaque significantly raises your risk of developing cavities on the roots of these newly exposed teeth. The buildup causes serious gum disease, which is a leading cause of adult tooth loss. It’s a frustrating cycle where losing one tooth can ultimately put your other healthy teeth in danger.
Your Daily Life and Confidence Are Affected
Finally, we can’t ignore the impact on your daily life and self-confidence. Even a single missing tooth in the back can affect your ability to chew food properly. You might unconsciously avoid using that side of your mouth, which can put extra strain on your other teeth.
You may also start to avoid certain healthy foods like crunchy vegetables or chewy meats that are difficult to eat. While a back tooth might not be visible when you smile, knowing it’s missing can still affect how you feel about your oral health. Replacing the tooth restores full function and gives you the peace of mind that your smile is complete and healthy.
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