Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

We can provide you with dental implants or dental bridges to replace your missing teeth. While we provide preventative dental care to help reduce the risk of tooth loss, this is still an issue that many adults deal with on some level. If you have lost a tooth due to bone loss, infection, or an accident, we recommend you take the time to consider all your options.  There are many ways to replace missing teeth, and it is important to select the option that is right for you. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, here is what you need to know: Dental implants. The most secure and natural-looking solution for tooth loss is dental implants. Unlike a bridge that requires attachment to other natural teeth, implants are supported by the jawbone, and stand alone. As a result, no other teeth are impacted by the procedure. The new tooth is more secure because of the process of osseointegration, where a titanium post and the jaw bone fuse together to create a new root system that will support your new tooth. This makes it possible to eat all your favorite foods and engage in normal activities without restriction.  Implants not only replace your teeth, they help keep your jawbone healthy by providing it with much-needed stimulation. The only drawback to an implant, when compared with a bridge, is that since it is a surgical procedure, you can expect a longer recovery time. Osseointegration, while important, takes a few months to complete. Dental bridges. If you want a solution that is more secure and durable than dentures, a bridge is a good option. A bridge is used for partial tooth loss, when there are natural teeth that are strong enough to support it. A crown is placed on the teeth surrounding your missing one, and these crowns serve as anchors for the bridge. As a result, you will have a semi-permanent tooth replacement that looks natural, and functions like a natural tooth.  The drawback to a bridge, when compared to an implant, is that the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth have to be cut down to accommodate the bridge, and bridges do not last as long as implants. If you are interested in either dental implants or dental bridges, we are an ideal office to visit. As a cosmetic dentist, we can provide you with information on both solutions and complete the procedure in a way that restores the form and function of your teeth and smile.  To learn more, schedule an appointment.