When teeth are lost, we often have a discussion about what is considered the ‘best’ option for replacement. The teeth are sometimes lost due to decay or accidents despite our best efforts to maintain our oral health.
Some factors that are sometimes out of our control include trauma, family history of tooth decay or genetic predisposition. When it comes to deciding between a dental implant or a bridge what is the best option?
Comparing dental implants versus bridges
Dental implants are artificial root forms which are permanently installed in the jaw bone to replicate the root form of the tooth. Dental implants do not rely on support from adjacent teeth and function independently. Dental Implants look and feel the part combining a dental crown on top of the root portion of the implant.
Dental bridges are devices that rely on adjacent teeth for support and are designed to replace multiple damaged or missing teeth. While it may be cheaper to have a dental bridge made, the teeth supporting the bridge must be trimmed down to allow for fit of the bridge on top.
It is a well known fact that teeth with crowns or bridges on top are more susceptible to decay and root canal treatment as they become more difficult to clean underneath and need a strong motivation to maintain an oral hygiene regimen. Dental implants are a more expensive investment but are generally recommended for patients that have single missing spaces with healthy teeth around those spaces. Bridges are sometimes also a faster way to get teeth replaced or if the jaw bone has shrunk to the point that significant time and costs are associated with rebuilding of the foundation lost prior to dental implant treatment in Bowmanville.
When it comes to which option is considered the best dental treatment for yourself, your Bowmanville dentist will discuss all the factors with you to decide together. Call us today for your free consultation !