You’ve been told that you’re going to lose a tooth. Oh no! The reality is that you need something to chew on once that tooth is gone, so you have a choice between getting a dental implant or a bridge. What’s the difference, and which once should you choose?
Dental Implants Versus Bridges
It used to be that the only choice you had were bridges. Dental bridges involve the two teeth surrounding the missing tooth. They are a type of permanent denture which has a cap on teeth along either side of the missing tooth and a “bridge” tooth that spans the gap. It isn’t as strong as implants, and according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, bridges last no longer than 10 years. If cared for and adjusted, dental implants Austin TX can last an entire lifetime.
Dental implants are tooth replacements that do not affect the surrounding teeth. They screw into the jawbone and look and act like a normal tooth. They are very strong and capable of withstand bite pressures. Other than adjustments, you don’t need any special care for them. Adjustments can be made in your dentist’s office during normal check ups.
When You Would Want Bridges over Implants
Bridges do have their place. If you have teeth that need caps or crowns in the future, getting a bridge is cost effective. If you’ve had your teeth pulled or have lost your teeth a while ago, your jaw may have receded, making it impossible to do an implant properly. In these cases, bridges are the better choice for your teeth.
Why Dental Implants are Important for Your Health
It’s important to consider dental implants over bridges for health reasons. Your jaw bone will naturally recede and become weaker if you do not have teeth there. Furthermore, adding a bridge requires grinding away healthy teeth to put a cap on them to support the bridge. This grinding severely weakens those teeth and may require further work.
You can talk more naturally and look normal with dental implants. Missing teeth can cause your face to look different, and your speech to slur. With dental implants, you no longer have to worry about that tooth having cavities – an extra bonus!
Finding a Dentist who does Dental Implants
Your dentist may already do dental implants, or he or she can recommend a specialist who can provide a dental implant. If you don’t have a regular dentist, or if he or she cannot recommend a dental implant dentist, you can go tothe American Academy of Dental Implants and find a dentist in your area. When you do contact those dentists, ask for references so that you can be certain that the dentists you’re considering do excellent work.
Your smile is important. Most people find that an attractive smile is important even when looking for a new job, meeting new people, and making a good impression. By substituting missing teeth with realistic implants, you can be sure that you make the very best impression.