Dental Implants versus Dental Bridges

Not too long ago when you had a missing tooth and the dentist would suggest grinding your adjacent teeth and use them as anchor for a dental bridge.  Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way and today it is possible for you to replace a missing tooth without disturbing the adjacent teeth. Dental implants have become the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure and make it possible for you to regain the natural look of your teeth and a charming smile. Let us now take a look at these procedures in detail and the advantages that dental implants have over fixed bridges. 

Fixed Dental Bridges   
 

Fixed dental bridges are non-removable restoration which would bridge the gap that has been created by one or more missing teeth.  This procedure has been used and perfected over the years and can help you achieve pleasing cosmetic result in relatively short span of time. There are three types of bridges - Traditional Bridges, Cantilever Bridges and Maryland Bonded Bridges. These are used depending on the condition and position of the teeth.
 

Dental Implants   
 

Dental implants basically reconstruct missing teeth and would require a number of visits to the clinic. This can be used for one or more missing teeth and helps you achieve natural looking teeth. This procedure involves placement of a titanium screw in the jaw which acts as the root of the replacement tooth. The new tooth crown is fixed over the crow. While this crown can be placed with the screw immediately in most cases dentists leave the screw to integrate with the jaw bone for a few weeks and then fix the crown over it.
 

Advantages of Dental Implants Over Bridges
 

• The biggest advantage of dental implants causes no damage to the adjacent teeth as is the case with dental bridges. In this procedure the dentist would only work on the missing teeth without damaging adjacent teeth.

• Brushing and flossing implants is much easier compared to dental bridges which can be very difficult for you to clean as small food particles often get stuck in the tiny gaps.

• Dental implants are meant to last for a lifetime if you maintain proper oral hygiene. However bridges tend to have a lifespan and you would need to replace them every few years.

• Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth irrespective of their position. In case of bridges the dentist would have to assess the condition of the adjacent teeth for support. This makes implants a very flexible procedure while dental bridges cannot always be performed successfully if the adjacent teeth aren’t in a healthy state.

As you can clearly notice, dental implant is more of modern a procedure that can enhance your look and help you regain your smile. Though it is expensive compared to bridges it enjoys many benefits over the traditional dental bridges. And if you are here, and visit a dental clinic in San Diego, the San Diego dentist would carry out a detailed examination and assess the condition of your teeth and gums to suggest you a cosmetic dentistry procedure that addresses your dental condition.