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Dental Implant Cost: Three-Unit Bridge v. Single Dental Implant

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 dental implant cost factor is hard to determine precisely. 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 a 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 dental 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.

By Benjamin O. Watkins, III, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Teeth Implants, Close Up and Natural - Is Implant Dentistry for You?

Teeth implants are a tooth replacement therapy offering natural-looking options for patients. Dental implants anchor artificial or prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Their performance is nearly equal to natural teeth, providing a secure and comfortable fit, a natural appearance, and a big dose of confidence for people of all ages.

A tooth implant duplicates the tooth's structure. Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone is made of titanium. This metal does well in the body and rarely causes any reaction in patients. It is the same material that is used in knee and hip replacements.

• The implant is cylindrical in shape, resembling a screw, and may even have a thread-like surface. They're uniquely designed with small holes at the outside surfaces for a very good reason. Like the roots of natural teeth, tooth implants stimulate bone growth. It even fools Mother Nature! Over time, the bone tissue actually grows into the small holes, securing the implant.
• The abutment rests over the metal implant. It's a small piece of metal whose purpose is to connect the prosthesis to the tooth implant.
• The prosthesis is the replacement tooth, a natural-looking crown or bridge (if there are multiple teeth missing). A prosthesis that's used to replace a complete set of teeth can be either fixed or removable. A removable prosthesis can be taken out for easy cleaning; a fixed one can only be removed by the dentist, but usually offers better reliability for chewing.

How Do These Different Teeth Implants Parts Work Together?

Since the tooth implant duplicates the tooth's structure, each part contributes to a natural-like functioning of the teeth. Whether replacing one or more teeth, the process of repair is the same. The teeth implants insertion procedure involves three main steps:

1. The first is the surgical insertion of the metal implants.
2. This is followed by a second surgery, about three to six months later, to insert the abutment.
3. The third step, usually two to four weeks later, is custom-making the prosthesis and attaching it to the abutment. There are typically several adjustments needed until the prosthesis is attached to the abutments.

Once the prosthesis comfortably fits, your future is secure. You'll enjoy comfort, confidence, and security in meeting the world and smiling in a whole new way with your new teeth implants.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.