Smiling has several benefits to your overall well-being. It is known to enhance how people perceive you and it can also boost your immune system.
But how can you feel good about your smile if you have a missing tooth? Lucky for you, many restoration tools have been developed to help you regain your beautiful smile.
Two of these sought-after restoration options are dental implants and dental bridges. Below is some information about each to help you decide which may be best for you – although you should consult a trusted dentist if you need help choosing.
Dental Implants
Dental implants involve surgically positioning a titanium post into your jawbone. Once this fuses to the bone, an abutment or replacement tooth is attached to it.
Pros
- Low Maintenance: Dental implants are capable of lasting anywhere from a decade to a lifetime and require less maintenance compared to other restoration options.
- Natural Appearance: Since implants are meant to permanently replace a missing tooth, they look and function like natural teeth. Implants are also stable and secure, allowing you to smile confidently anytime.
- Bone Protection: You may not be aware of this, but a missing tooth can contribute to the slow deterioration of your jawbone. Implants can help prevent this and also help promote and preserve the natural growth of your jawbone. Implants also stimulate the healing of the gums under your teeth.
Cons
- Surgical Risks: As is the case with all types of surgeries, getting surgically fitted with an implant could increase certain health risks including infection, fractures, nerve damage, and more.
- Long, Complex Process: Getting an implant requires several visits to your dentist. Also, it can take up to six months for the post to fuse into your jawbone; thus, frequent check-ups are needed to assure all is proceeding as it should. In addition, your mouth will need several months to heal after the surgery.
- Expensive: Dental implants can be an expensive restorative procedure. The price also varies depending on the type of implant selected and any underlying teeth or gum issues that may need to be addressed.
Dental Bridge
The function of a dental bridge is to rest an artificial tooth in place with use of a bridge, connecting the replacement tooth to the teeth one either side of the gap. The adjacent teeth will need to be treated as well so they can provide proper support for the replacement tooth.
Pros
- Less Pain: Dental bridges are less painful than implants since they do not require surgical attachment to the jawbone.
- Fast: The entire process surrounding bridges may take just a few weeks, making it a quicker procedure than dental implants.
- Economical: Bridges are more affordable than implants, yet they are still capable of providing strong support for your mouth.
Cons
- Not as Long-Lasting: Dental bridges may sometimes feel less natural compared to implants because the bridge may be removable, or it may not be designed to last as long as dental implants.
- Natural Teeth Damage: Surrounding teeth will need to be sculpted to best fit the bridge as designed. This requires changing the natural size and shape of otherwise healthy nearby teeth. Sometimes, damage to these adjusted teeth may occur after the bridge is in place.
Restoring Your Perfect Smile in Las Vegas
If you want to smile confidently again despite cracked or missing teeth, visit Dedicated Dental, and get one-of-a-kind service from our dental specialists. You will surely achieve that perfect smile in no time! Call now at (702) 566-5509 or request an appointment now.
