Although losing teeth is upsetting, there are options to replace them, including dental implants and dental bridges. You will need to consider which choice might be best for you.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

A dental implant is a small screw or post made from titanium or a strong ceramic material called zirconia that is surgically inserted into the jawbone and which artificially replaces a tooth root. It’s a highly effective solution because the implant bonds or fuses with the jawbone, a process called Osseointegration that takes several months to complete. Once fully bonded, the dental implant is very strong, creating a stable anchorage point for a new implant crown. Nowadays, dental implants in Newcastle are largely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because treatment produces such excellent results and the outcome can last for years or even for life. Also, dental implants are unique in that they help to preserve and protect the jawbone that would otherwise be resorbed after natural teeth are lost. However, dental bridges are still a popular choice.

How Does a Dental Bridge Work?

Unlike a dental implant in Clarington, a dental bridge does not replace a tooth root. Instead, it uses the adjacent teeth called abutment teeth as support. These teeth are covered with dental crowns that are attached to a replacement tooth, “bridging” the gap. Treatment doesn’t require any surgery and is relatively quick, but it’s important to realize that those adjacent teeth must be permanently reshaped, removing quite a bit of potentially healthy tooth structure to make room for the dental crowns. Once the dental bridge is cemented in place, it creates a strong and stable restoration that should last for some years before it needs replacing.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implant treatment is suitable for most people, but some eligibility requirements must be determined during your initial consultation here at West Bowmanville Family Dental. Our dentist must assess your dental health and your medical history. Your medical history is important because certain conditions can affect the success of treatment, and you must have reasonable dental health to qualify for dental implants. Any signs of dental disease like periodontal disease may need treatment beforehand. Also, your teeth and jaws must have finished growing and developing so implant treatment isn’t suitable for children. Otherwise, age generally isn’t a barrier and dental implants in Courtice have helped to improve the quality of life for many older people.

Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

Because the procedure for a dental bridge is far less invasive, most people are suitable for a dental bridge. The main consideration is whether the adjacent teeth are healthy and stable enough to support the replacement tooth. If you have more than one tooth missing and which were originally next to each other, it may be possible to replace these with a single dental bridge using the adjacent teeth for support. Our dentist will need to assess the health and strength of the supporting teeth to make sure they can withstand the pressure created when you bite and chew food.

Deciding Which Is Best for You

Deciding which treatment is best for you is a personal decision that probably requires quite a bit of thought. When you visit us, our dentist can discuss both options with you more fully and can talk you through the process required for each treatment. They can also provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes the price of each option. However, although dental implant treatment is usually costlier initially, the implant may last longer than a dental bridge. Over your lifetime, a dental implant could cost you less.