Missing teeth pose a risk not only to your oral and dental health but to your overall health, as well. So it is important to choose a dentist who specializes in periodontics and dental implants to explain your tooth replacement option. Depending upon how many teeth you are missing, whether they are in a row, and how healthy your gums are, you will likely have several options for tooth replacement. In this article, we’ll discuss two of the most common fixes for missing teeth: dental bridges and dental implants. Here’s what to know about each, and how to determine which option is best for you.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth that are secured in your mouth by attaching the bridge to existing teeth, existing crowns, or dental implants. Dental bridges offer a variety of benefits to people missing a tooth or several teeth.
Dental bridges may be more affordable than dental implants. Like implants, they will restore your smile to reduce gaps between your teeth.
Dental bridges will reduce the risk of other teeth shifting. Although each natural tooth is held in place by a root, the teeth beside it play a role in keeping it in the right place. Gaps from missing teeth, particularly if you’re missing a lot of teeth, can cause your remaining teeth to shift.
There are some drawbacks to dental bridges that you should be aware of if you’re considering fixing missing teeth. In some cases, you may need to put crowns over otherwise healthy teeth to secure the bridge. Bridges don’t usually last as long as dental implants, and bridges may cause damage to the teeth they are affixed to.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement teeth that mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Using titanium screws to act as the root of the tooth, implants fit securely into your jawbone. It is covered with a crown or a bridge.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement. They offer a multitude of benefits including incredible durability. Dental implants may last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants will also restore your smile, providing an incredible aesthetic improvement. Indeed, dental implants can have an enormously positive impact on your self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Even better, dental implants may improve your overall health. They can reduce the level of periodontal disease, reducing the chance of heart attack, stroke, and other chronic diseases. Furthermore, dental implants may reduce pain when eating, improve your speech, and look and feel like your own teeth.
Finally, because dental implants look and function just like a normal tooth, they may prevent bone loss in your jaw. They require similar care as your natural teeth. Routine brushing, flossing, and regular exams and cleanings.
Drawbacks of dental implants may include their cost and the length of treatment. Depending upon how many missing teeth you have, you may need to see your implant specialist multiple times for implants.
Which is Right for Me?
You’ll need to seek the expert advice of a periodontal dental implant specialist for guidance on replacing missing teeth. No two patients are the same, but factors such as how many teeth you’re missing, whether the missing teeth are in a row, or spaced out, and the overall condition of the teeth beside the gap(s) needs to be determined. All of these factors will play a role in determining which tooth replacement treatment is right for you. Fun fact: your dentist may even recommend a combination of implants and bridges.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Replacement in Massachusetts
At Life Dental Specialities, Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Specialist, Dr. Quinta provides tooth replacement, bone regeneration, https://www.teethr4life.com/periodontal-services/periodontal-surgery-pocket-depth-reduction/
periodontal surgery, laser surgery, and much more. If you’re ready to take the steps to improve the appearance of your smile, the function of your mouth and teeth, and your overall health, by replacing missing teeth, schedule a consultation today by calling 413-739-5685 (Springfield) or 413-586-3157 (Hadley). You may also email the team.