Dental implants and bridges are both viable options for teeth replacement. But which one is the best choice? just because dental implants are the latest technology it doesn’t mean that you necessarily have to rule out dental bridges. Today we are going to talk a little about both, what they are as well as their ups and downs.
Dentists use booth procedures to replace lost teeth. While at first, you may think that we only do this aesthetics reasons; in truth, missing a tooth carries some very nasty side effects on your mouth. For example, bone loss, higher risk of infections, and teeth displacement.
What are dental bridges and implants?
A dental bridge is a series of prosthetic crowns (usually 3) which are set in place by affixing them to nearby teeth. That means that the dentist has to reduce the enamel and reshape them for a perfect fit. While it may seem like a hassle, it’s actually a good idea if those nearby teeth are going to need crowns or caps in the nearby future.
Dental implant are small titanium pieces inserted inside the bone; as the bone regenerates it fuses with the material, creating a strong foundation on which a crown is placed. As you can see, an implant tends to be more invasive than the bridge.
Which one is most durable?
Out of the two, implants are much more durable and a better long-term solution than a bridge. Unfortunately, not everyone can get an implant, if you’ve been missing your tooth for too long, then you may have lost some bone in the area. If that’s the case, a bone transplant will be necessary. We call this procedure bone grafting.
What about aftercare?
Once again, implants come out in the lead; a regular oral hygiene is all you need to keep an implant in top shape. Dental bridges on the other hand, need you to be a little more thorough to prevent the accumulation of food residue.
So why would I chose a bridge?
Dental bridges are cheaper, and they don’t require previous surgery or incisions, which makes them less invasive. For example, they might be a better solution for folks who have trouble healing.
In the end, you dentist is the expert; isten to her carefully,and ask as many questions as you need before you make your final choice. Remember, both procedures are safe; they have been used successfully for decades.
