Bridge or Implant for a Missing Tooth?
A missing tooth isn’t something that anyone wants, but the good news is that if you do have a missing tooth, there’s something you can do about it. A missing tooth can be dealt with in one of two ways – a dental implant or a dental bridge. Choosing between a bridge or implant for a missing tooth can be a difficult decision. Fortunately, this blog post aims to provide useful information that will help you make an informed decision.
The Difference between a Bridge and a Dental Implant
In order to choose between a bridge or implant for a missing tooth, it’s essential to know exactly what each of these are and how they work. Continue reading to learn more.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge involves having crowns affixed to the teeth that surround the missing tooth and having a bridge created that holds the artificial tooth in place. Essentially, you end up with the missing tooth being covered, but the artificial tooth is not affixed to your jaw. A dental bridge can be much cheaper than a dental implant, but it can come with the drawback of being able to be lost when taken out – something that won’t happen with a dental implant. In some cases, the adjacent teeth where the bridge is attached can also become more vulnerable to decay.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that’s inserted into the jawbone where the old tooth used to be. Once the titanium cylinder has been inserted, it will bond with the bone and create an artificial root. Once the implant is ready, an artificial tooth with an abutment will be inserted into it. The artificial tooth may be permanently fixed or can be removable depending on the patient’s need. Dental implants require some fairly major dental surgery and are often more expensive than bridges, but they’re a very natural looking tooth replacement option that will sit perfectly alongside your original teeth.
Learn More Today
Both bridges and implants can be suitable for a missing tooth, but at the end of the day, the choice between a bridge or implant for a missing tooth may come down to your available finances. To learn more, make an appointment with a reputable and experienced dentist at East Bentleigh Dental Group today.