Dental Implants vs. Bridges: Finding What’s Best for You

Losing teeth can have a negative impact on the appearance of your smile along with creating functional issues. However, you can replace your missing tooth with the help of dental implants and dental bridges. Let’s explore both the options in detail:

What is a Dental Implant?

When the tooth structure (consisting of bone, ligaments, and nerves) is removed, the neighboring area slowly begins to deteriorate explains the dentist in Rexdale. A dental implant replaces the structure with a metal post made of titanium. Over the period of time, new bone grows around the implanted metal and once the new structure is secure, a crown will be placed on the top of the implant and sealed into place.

Dental Implant Pros and Cons

One of the significant advantages of implants is that it places a lesser burden on the surrounding teeth and promotes healing of gums and bones faster. They can also last for a lifetime.

A disadvantage of the implants is that it can be costly, especially when more number of teeth is to be replaced. Even a single implant can cause several thousand dollars.

What is a Dental Bridge?

The dental bridge in Rexdale attaches to the remaining healthy teeth surrounding a gap for creating bridge across the area in your smile. In traditional versions, two teeth on opposite sides of a gap are shaved down for accommodating a bridge. If only one tooth is missing, Maryland bridge is used while a cantilevered bridge is used when teeth are missing on both sides of the gap.

Dental Bridge Pros and Cons

The main advantage of bridges is that they are cost-effective way of replacing missing teeth. Also, they don’t need bone grafting and offer a quick process for replacing the missing teeth.

The biggest disadvantage associated with bridges is that they put strain on surrounding structures, especially the two teeth attached to the device. A bridge can rarely last for a lifetime.

Mixed Solutions

In case where patients have lost a significant number of teeth in a row, dentist near you can recommend a mixed approach.