Dental Bridge or Dental Implant?
Dallas, TX – When a patient needs to replace a missing tooth, a cosmetic dentist has a few options and the choice between them depends on several factors. The location of the missing tooth as well as the general health of the patients other teeth will help guide him to a decision on what’s best for the patient.
One of the most common procedures for replacing a missing tooth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an assembly that is designed to be attached to other healthy teeth in the patient’s mouth that are located near the missing tooth being replaced. This dental bridge is removable and can be used to replace most missing teeth for a patient. The advantage to the dental bridge being used to replace a missing tooth is that it is a fairly easy repair and can be done rather quickly. Because the dental bridge attaches firmly to other existing teeth, it provides a very sturdy repair that can support chewing and biting without shifting. The disadvantage to using a bridge to replace a missing tooth is that it does not stimulate the jawbone below the missing tooth. Studies have shown that when this stimulation is missing, the jawbone can shrink as it is reabsorbed by the body naturally. This can lead to other teeth shifting and the shape of the jaw changing as well over time, possibly altering the patients bite.
Another alternative to replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge is using a dental implant. These dental implants are attached to the patients jawbone and unlike the dental bridges, maintain the stimulation necessary for health bone growth. The dental implant can be used to replace a single tooth, or several teeth. The process starts with the extraction of whatever is left of the original tooth. The cosmetic dentist then inserts a metal screw into the patients jawbone directly beneath the location of the missing tooth. This screw is left alone for several months and allowed to bond with the jawbone. Once this fusing is complete a mounting post is attached to the screw and a crown is mounted to this mounting post. When completed, the dental implant gives the patient a repair that is as close as possible to the original tooth. The color and shape of the crown will perfectly mimic the original tooth and the patient can bite and chew on the dental implant as they would normally on any other tooth. The added advantage of the dental implant is that since it is attached directly to the jawbone, it is a very secure mount and will not move for the life of the patient. It also provides the critical stimulation of the jawbone that ensures there will be no bone loss. The dental implant can be used for most patients and the cosmetic dentist will do a series of X-rays before commencing the procedure to make sure the patient has sufficient bone structure below the missing tooth in which to anchor the implant. The entire procedure can take a few months to complete because the dental implant needs time to naturally fuse with the jawbone.
Either of these procedures might be right for you if you need to have a missing tooth replaced. The best course of action is to speak with your cosmetic dentist and follow his advice when making your selection.
Biographical Info: Phillip Crum is the Chief Idea Officer of Sir Speedy Walnut Hill located at 2414 Arbuckle Court Dallas, TX 75229, and is committed to the idea of helping small business owners do a better job of finding their next customer or client. He also runs a local search marketing firm, MarketingMeasure and employs those additional capabilities in the overall marketing services menu of offerings. Phillip can be reached at 214-213-7445, or pcrum@MarketingMeasure.com.