Missing teeth can take a toll on your life. They can affect your confidence, your ability to chew and digest food properly, your ability to speak and pronounce certain words, and so on.
The good news is that there are plenty of dental restoration solutions out there, with implants and bridges being two of the most popular.
But, although both can restore your smile, the differences between the two can be quite major. So, how do you choose?
Here's what you need to know to make an educated decision.
Dental implants are tooth replacement options that are designed to look and work like your natural teeth.
An implant consists of a metal post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone (granted you have good oral health and enough bone mass.) After the osseointegration process, which can last about six months, the metal post has fused with the surrounding tissues and can now provide a stable foundation for the rest of the implant - the abutment and dental crown.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis supported by two anchoring teeth.
The dentist in Cibolo will prepare the mouth by reshaping and recontouring the two teeth at the sides of the gap. For that, they need to shave off a bit of enamel to place the crown that will support the bridge in place. Then, the bridge will be attached to each side of the gap on the crowns.
Here are some of the key differences between implants and bridges:
Implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and require more time to heal. While the implant site will take about two weeks to fully heal, the metal post will need about six months to fuse with the jawbone.
Bridges, on the other hand, do not require surgery and the process is pretty straightforward too. The artificial teeth are simply held in place by crowns that are cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth.
Dental implants are very durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. They're also sturdier because they're implanted directly into the jawbone, just like natural teeth.
Dental Bridges can last between 5 to 15 years, sometimes longer with good oral hygiene and regular checkups.
Implants will help maintain bone health because they replace the tooth root, which helps stimulate the bone and prevent bone loss. Bridges, however, don't prevent bone loss since they don't replace the tooth root.
Implants are more expensive than bridges, but because they are also longer lasting, they can provide a more cost-efficient solution.
The best way to determine which option is good for you is to meet Dr. Niraj Patel for a thorough consultation. He will examine your mouth, listen to your needs, and help you find the best solution for you.