From accidents and sports injuries to periodontal disease, tooth decay, or just plain genetics— whatever your reason for a missing front tooth– you don’t have to live with an embarrassing gap in your smile.
Can you replace a front tooth with a dental implant?
Yes. When a tooth becomes damaged or missing, especially a tooth that plays such a prominent role in your smile, the desire to fix this, of course, is very strong. There are different ways that a person can fill the gap, such as using a denture or bridge. However, the most preferred and more permanent solution is to replace the tooth with a dental implant.
What is a single-tooth dental implant?
Unlike dentures or bridges that are temporary solutions because they may become loose or fall out during wear– a single-tooth dental implant is designed to look, feel, and act exactly like a real tooth– straight down to the root.
The tooth portion of the implant is typically constructed with porcelain, an extremely strong and resilient material that mimics the natural gloss and transparency of teeth. The tooth is then sculpted so that it is a perfect match. This assures that it feels comfortable and natural when you talk, chew, laugh or smile.
Lastly, the tooth-like porcelain is tinted to match the color of your other teeth. With these features, your customized implant will blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile, making it nearly impossible for anyone to tell you’ve had a replacement.
Arguably, one of the most valuable features of an implant, though, is how it is secured. Using surgical-grade titanium rods, the implant is anchored directly into your jawbone. This not only makes for a secure fit that will never shift or fall out, but it also mimics a tooth’s natural root. The titanium rod isn’t visible after surgery but will stimulate your jawbone, encouraging the growth of new bone mass, and maintaining a healthy mouth. This helps to prevent unsightly and unhealthy bone loss.
Is it expensive to replace a front tooth?
Some patients worry about the up-front cost of a dental implant. However, when you calculate the cost of replacing more temporary replacement options, you will see that a single-tooth implant provides a lifetime of value. Plus, there is also the added confidence and happiness that comes with a beautiful and healthy smile.
It is also possible that your dental insurance may cover all or a portion of your procedure, and at LI Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer many of our patients financing options that allow them to spread the cost out into reasonable payment plans.
Is a front-tooth dental implant right for you?
The best way to find out if you are eligible for an implant– is to talk to an experienced dental and surgical team. At LI Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, we specialize in helping patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking smiles they are proud of. Schedule an appointment with us today to see how we can help you recover from your missing front tooth.
