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Dental Bridges Vs ImplantsYour teeth perform many important functions every single day. When you lose your teeth, even just a few, all of these functions are impacted. It becomes a challenge to bite and chew food. Speaking becomes more difficult. Your smile is diminished. Your oral health is affected. At Dallas Prosthodontics, we offer several options to replace your missing teeth, including dental bridges and dental implants.  What is a Dental Bridge?A dental bridge is a restoration that is made to bridge the gap left behind by missing teeth. It can replace up to three consecutive missing teeth and is usually made from ceramic (which provides a natural appearance). A bridge consists of your replacement tooth (or teeth) set between two crowns. The crowns anchor on to the adjacent healthy teeth, and hold the bridge firmly in place. It takes two visits for you to get your bridge. During the first visit, your abutment teeth (the teeth to which the crowns will be anchored) are prepared. This involves the trimming of the enamel from the teeth so that your bridge will fit naturally into place. Next, an impression is taken, which is sent off to a lab, where the bridge is designed and fabricated. On your second visit, the bridge is checked for fit and cemented into place. Pros and Cons of BridgesDental bridges have several benefits including:
There are also a few disadvantages involved with bridges as well:
What are Implants?Dental implants are a relatively recent development for tooth replacement. They consist of small titanium rods that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. They can be used to replace any number of teeth, from a single tooth to all of them. Implants rely on a process known as osseointegration, or the fusion of your jawbone to the implants. When you have healed, the implants become the roots that support your replacement teeth. Implants require a surgical procedure. After a local anesthetic, incisions are made in your gum tissue. Holes are drilled into the bone and the implants placed. Your gums are stitched closed around them. It will take several weeks to several months to fully heal, depending upon the number of implants. When you have healed, impressions are taken, and your permanent teeth are created and then screwed into place. Pros and Cons of ImplantsDental implants have several benefits:
There are also a few downsides to dental implants:
If you have lost a few teeth, replacement is essential for the functions, health, and appearance of your smile. Call Dallas Prosthodontics today at (972) 503-7200 to find out if dental bridges or implants are right for you. |
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