When you lose teeth, it is important to replace them as early as possible. Even a single missing tooth can wreck havoc on your dental health in the long run. Apart from affecting your facial appearance, missing teeth can also lead to dental issues such as decay and infection. Further, it can lead to bone loss and deterioration of the facial structure explains the dentist near you in Sugar Land.

There are several options when it comes to tooth replacement such as implants, dentures, and bridges. Today, let’s have a look at the pros and cons of getting bridges and implants and which one is a better option.

ABOUT DENTAL BRIDGES

As the name suggests, dental bridges are used for bridging the gap caused by missing teeth. They can restore single as well as several missing teeth. A bridge is supported by the adjacent natural teeth or implants on either side. The bridge has crowns on either side and a false tooth in between. The anchoring teeth are known as an abutment and the false tooth is known as pontic.

There are different types of bridges such as the traditional bridge, cantilever bridge, and Maryland bridges. The Sugar Land dentist will help you in choosing the right bridge for you based on your dental condition.

PROS

• If you compare to the dentures, the bridges are better as they remain fixed in their place. There is no need to remove them and you can brush them easily the way you brush the rest of your teeth.
• Dental bridges can help in offering stability to adjacent teeth as well. The bridges crown the teeth on either side of the gap. Thus, if your adjacent teeth are discolored, crack, or have fillings, the bridge will help in offering security and stability. Also, the dental bridge makes sure that adjacent doesn’t shift into the gap created by missing tooth/ teeth.
• If you get porcelain dental bridges, they offer a natural look and no one can even make out that you are wearing a bridge. They contribute to your natural smile.
• Bridges can be fixed quite fast as compared to implants. They can be fixed within the second appointment, says dentist Sugar Land TX.
• High-quality bridges can last for a lifetime.
• It is a non-invasive process.
• It stimulates the jawbone and preserves facial structure.
• They are more affordable than implants.

CONS

• According to the dentist in Sugar Land, since adjacent teeth are required for placing the bridge, the teeth need to be filed before the crown is placed over them. This can result in significant enamel loss.
• The bridges don’t look as natural as implants.
• The bridges may not last as long as implants and may need replacement.

ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

The implant is a titanium post that acts as a tooth root. The post is surgically inserted into the jawbone where it fuses within 5-6 months. Once the post fuses with the bone, the crown is placed over the gum line. There are two types of implants namely endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.

PROS

• One of the main benefits of implants is that they are strong and they don’t move as they are fused to the jawbone.
• Implants are durable if taken care of properly. They can even last for a lifetime.
• The implant offers a natural appearance and no one can make out that you have got implants. They look and feel natural inside the mouth.
• They protect the jaw bone and therefore facial structure from deteriorating.
• Implants don’t strain the adjacent teeth as they are on their own.

CONS

• They don’t offer an immediate replacement as you need to wait for at least 6 months, says dentist near 77479.
• The implants involve surgically placing the implant so it is invasive.
• The implant procedure can be very expensive and can’t be afforded by all. Also, it is not covered by insurance companies.

CONCLUSION

Having a look at both the restorative options, it is clear that both have their benefits and downside. It is up to your preference, dental condition, and dentist’s decision whether you should get implants or bridges for missing tooth/ teeth.