It is not uncommon for adult patients to experience tooth loss at some point, the most common cause being untreated dental decay. If a tooth is left untreated, the decay will only worsen and the patient risks losing the tooth. There are plenty of other reasons a patient may lose a tooth including accident or injury, periodontal disease, or tooth fracture.
It is important to replace a missing tooth, even if it does not affect your smile. When we lose a tooth and do not replace it, the underlying bone structure begins to deteriorate in the area which can create a domino effect of more tooth loss and more bone loss. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to patients to replace missing teeth! In the section we will review some options and the associated cost of each.
One thing to keep in mind is the price range of each treatment. Cost of treatment will vary widely depending on your geographical location. Patients in a metropolitan city will likely pay more than those in a rural town. Additionally, it is very important to look into your dental insurance benefits before deciding what treatment is best for you. Dental insurance typically has a benefit maximum per year and is unlikely to cover the entire cost of a dental prosthesis, regardless the type.
Partial Denture
A partial denture is a removable prosthesis that is used to replace one or a few missing teeth in one area of the mouth. A partial denture is secured in place using clasps or attachments on neighboring teeth. The partial is fabricated using an acrylic resin base that is tinted to match your gum tissue. Porcelain teeth are set in the base and are tinted to match your natural teeth.
A removable partial denture cost between $1500 and $3000. Some dental insurance plans will help cover the cost of the partial.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is essentially a partial denture that is cemented in place and not able to be removed by the patient. Two dental crowns are joined together by one or more fake teeth (pontic), depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth on either side of the space.
The cost of a dental bridge will largely depend on the number of teeth being replaced. A single tooth bridge, which is two crowns and one pontic, can cost between $3000 and $5000. Dental insurance may cover some of the cost.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is one of the best options available to restore one or more missing teeth. The actual implant acts as an artificial tooth root and can support one or two implant crowns. The implant is the titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw. An implant abutment and an implant crown are used to restore the implant.
Implants are a bit more costly than the other options we have reviewed, ranging from $3000-$6000 per implant. Dental insurance may cover some of the cost of either the implant or the restoration.
Patients who need to have a missing tooth replaced are well cared for with any of the restorative options, the important thing is to actually have the tooth replaced so that you can maintain a healthy diet and wonderful quality of life! Your dentist can help you determine which treatment option will work best for you.