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Should I Choose a Bridge or a Dental Implant?
Even if you are only missing a single tooth it is important to replace it and your options are to choose a dental bridge or to opt for dental implants In Watton. So which is best and why? When you come to see us at Clarence House Dental Care then we can discuss these choices in much greater detail, but in the meantime we have outlined a few pros and cons of each procedure.
Taking a Look at the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a popular option, particularly as treatment can be completed within a few weeks making it easy to replace that missing tooth. With a bridge, the teeth adjacent to the gap are ground down and shaped in order to be crowned. The crowns are attached to the replacement tooth which is called a pontic. This results in a strong and stable restoration that should last for 10 years or possibly longer with the proper dental care.
It might sound like the ideal choice, but it is important to bear in mind that our dentist in Watton will need to grind down teeth which may be an undesirable option if these teeth are healthy and strong. Once these teeth have been ground down, you will always need to keep them covered up with dental crowns, even if you subsequently choose to have dental implants in Watton at a later date. However, if the teeth that will need to be ground down are already filled or decayed or are not the prettiest teeth in your mouth, then perhaps a dental bridge is worth considering.
Taking a Look at the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have been safely used for decades now and this technology is extremely advanced. We think dental implants can be a great choice for replacing teeth, particularly if you only have one missing tooth. Whereas the replacement tooth in a dental bridge will merely rest on your gums, a dental implant tooth will emerge from your gums just like the real thing.
Additionally, dental implants in Watton will closely replicate your natural tooth roots, preserving your jawbone which is an extremely important factor to take into consideration. After a natural tooth is extracted, your jawbone soon begins to reabsorb which can have a destabilising effect on existing teeth and it is particularly bad news for denture wearers who rely on the jawbone for retention. Another thing to think about when considering dental implants is that your dentist in Watton will not need to shape the adjacent teeth, enabling you to preserve these teeth which can be particularly beneficial if they are healthy and strong.
We know some people are put off by the length of treatment and the need for oral surgery, but the procedure to insert a dental implant is extremely short and we take extensive care to make sure you are completely comfortable at all times. While your dental implant could take several months to complete, the results can be considerably longer lasting than a dental bridge, making this much more cost-effective in the longer term.
If you are interested in finding out more about all your options for replacing missing teeth then please give us a call on 01953 882777.