As we explored in an earlier post, losing teeth as an adult can be detrimental to your health. From decreased confidence to changing your diet because you can’t eat certain foods to your jawbone deteriorating because the tooth root is no longer there, your wellbeing is affected in many ways. However, you have options when it comes to replacing missing teeth, including dental implants and bridges.
The Practical Reasons for Both
Bridges used to be your only choice when it came to replacing missing teeth. Previously, the adjacent teeth needed to be prepped, which meant removing most of the enamel to fabricate the bridge. For dental implants, the gum and bone will have receded for a tooth or teeth that have been lost for a long time. In this case, procedures will need to be completed before the implant can be placed.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are built to last, which makes them the best long-term solution. It’s the next best thing to your healthy, natural teeth. They are strong and stable while restoring a lost tooth so that it feels, looks, and functions like a natural tooth. The titanium post is placed into the jawbone and fuses naturally through a process called osseointegration. Since it’s a strong metal, it’s very resistant to decay and gum problems. An added bonus, dental implants also retain your natural face shape and smile.
Benefits of Bridges
Unlike dental implants, bridges don’t require surgery, which makes bridges much less painful. Bridges are also much quicker and easier to fully implement, whereas implants can take up to several months. Bridges may be your best options if the adjacent teeth have large fillings and will need crowns or caps in the near future. Finally, they provide strength and support for your mouth and are more affordable upfront.
Weighing the Costs
While we believe that cost should never take a front seat to your health, we certainly understand the cost difference when it comes to implants and bridges. While the upfront cost of a dental implant may scare you away initially, it’s also likely the last time you’ll need to worry about that procedure. Bridges, on the other hand, will need to be replaced around every 10 years. So, not only do you have the inconvenience of going through the procedure again, you’ll have to pay that cost again as well.
If you want to replace a missing tooth, contact us to discuss your options. We can give you even more details on the procedures themselves. We have the tools and knowledge to guide you through what’s best for your dental health. While bridges have been around for years, implants are becoming more popular because of their durability and cost.