Implants and Bridges - Your Best Tooth Replacement Options

A missing tooth can result from tooth decay, external trauma, gum disease, or genetic conditions. Regardless of the reason for the tooth loss, a missing tooth can change the aesthetics of a smile, affect the alignment of the teeth, and lead to several problems in the future if it isn't restored. Furthermore, it can affect a person's overall oral health, speech, ability to chew food and self-confidence. A missing tooth can also affect the integrity of your jawbone and cause the shifting of teeth into empty spaces.

Nowadays, various options are available to replace a missing tooth to restore your beautiful smile, including dental implants and dentures.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the common permanent solutions for replacing a single or several missing teeth. Implants are replacement tooth roots that give a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They provide support for the placement of crowns, bridges, or dentures. 

Implants are metal rods surgically inserted into the jawbone, which will serve as the anchor for the prosthetic tooth placed on its top. After inserting the screws in place, the site is allowed to heal for a few months. Once the implant fuses to the jawbone and the implant get completely healed, the dental crown or the prosthetics is placed on its top and secured. 

Advantages 

• Implants are one of the effective options to restore a missing tooth.
• Implants offer a natural look and feel, thus improving the patient's overall appearance. 
• The placement of dental implants doesn't need the alteration of the adjacent teeth.  
• Implants offer a permanent, lifelong replacement solution for missing teeth.
• With dental implants, the patient's speaking ability is not affected.  
• Dental implants eliminate the discomfort caused by slipping dentures, making them comfortable for the wearer. 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are permanent, false teeth held securely by abutment teeth on either side to replace one or more missing teeth. They help bridge or close the gap in the mouth caused by the missing teeth. They are custom-made as per the patient's requirements to mimic the natural teeth' appearance, form, and functionality. 

Though dental bridges can be fabricated using various materials, porcelain are the most preferred option to blend in with the natural teeth aesthetically.

Advantages 

• Dental bridges replace missing teeth with natural-looking alternatives.
• Bridges improve the aesthetics of the patient's smile by replacing the missing tooth. 
• Bridges restore the ability to speak and chew effectively. 
• They help preserve the facial structure by preventing jaw bone deterioration resulting from missing teeth. 
• Dental bridges prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth from moving into the gap, thus preventing the misalignment of the bite.

Every tooth replacement option has its share of advantages and disadvantages. 

If you are looking to restore your missing tooth, our experienced dental professionals at Healthy Smiles Dental Care, Hialeah, FL, can help you weigh based on your needs. Call us at (786) 345-2040 or schedule an appointment online.