According to the American Dental Association, approximately 120 million Americans miss at least one tooth yearly. So, tooth loss is common due to injuries! When you lose one of your teeth, getting a proper replacement is vital in keeping the rest of your teeth aligned. Replacement teeth can help maintain your facial structure and bypass challenges with speaking and eating. Therefore, dental implants and bridges are the most common yet crucial options to improve confidence.
The dental implants in Boynton Beach are known as artificial tooth roots made from titanium mounted into your jawbone with screws to hold a bridge or crown in place. On the other hand, dental bridges are false teeth kept in place by the teeth surrounding your missing tooth and made from plastic or porcelain to match your original tooth color. Let’s compare them to determine the best option for your dental health!
Dental Bridge: Overview
It’s a prosthetic tooth held in place by either side of the teeth gap or by the teeth. Bridges comprise a pontic and two abutment crowns that fit over the adjacent teeth to hold the bridge in place. They are the best option if you miss one or a few teeth, as they can recuperate your capability to chew and bite properly. This is how dental bridges can bolster your smile appearance. They also quickly install and take two or three dental appointments to finish the process.
Dental Implant: Overview
It’s a titanium post, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Gradually, the dental implant merges with the bone, forming a stable and solid foundation for a tooth replacement. Once the dental implant has wholly merged, an artificial tooth or crown is fixed to the implant’s top. Moreover, dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, designed to function and appear like a natural tooth. They are also known to preserve the adjacent teeth’s health and prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Dental Implant Vs. Bridge
Both can potentially deliver authentic results, but they have pros and cons. Below are the two major tooth replacement options to compare:
Dental Bridge: Pros
- It doesn’t need invasive surgery or bone grafting
- It mainly needs two dental clinic visits.
- Insurance covers dental implant surgery.
- It mainly has minimized upfront costs compared to dental implants.
Dental Bridge: Cons
- It may damage the healthy tooth surrounding the missing tooth.
- It needs to be replaced approximately every 5-7 years.
- It loses its natural appearance with age.
Dental Implant: Pros
- It doesn’t deteriorate the healthy teeth surrounding the implant.
- It may last up to 15 years or more.
- It has a high success rate, approximately 97%.
Dental Implant: Cons
- Higher upfront charges.
- Insurance doesn’t cover dental implant costs.
- It might lead to surgical complexities.
Dental Health: Implant Vs. Dental Bridge
Dental implants can maintain top-notch oral health. It’s because they don’t count on the adjacent teeth for support. It helps mitigate stress on the adjoining teeth and boosts the jawbone’s health. The stimulation transmitted via the artificial tooth and dental implant impedes additional bone and nearby teeth loss. Since bridges can’t transmit stimulation to the underlying jawbone, they don’t stop bone loss. Even though a bridge cosmetically retrieves your precious smile, structural issues can thrive. To keep a dental crown over healthy teeth for a bridge, the enamel will be reduced, boosting the chance of damage and decay. When metal is cemented to healthy teeth, a lot of strain will be placed on nearby structures, which will enfeeble them gradually.
Wondering which is better? Periodontists can help you differentiate the pros and cons of each treatment strategy. The professional assistance can let you make informed decisions regarding which missing tooth treatment is the best for you!
