We get a lot of patients who come into our office wanting a dental bridge but leave with dental implants instead. During their first appointment, Dr. Ashley Covington breaks down why dental bridges are an okay method of replacing missing teeth — and why dental implants are that much better. In certain cases, a dental bridge may be perfect for a patient but the vast majority of the time, dental implants are longer-lasting and provide patients with more “bang” for their buck. Here are the top four reasons why we recommend getting dental implants instead of a bridge. Strength A bridge is incomparable to implants in terms of strength. While fixed bridges are secured to surrounding teeth (giving the prosthesis some measure of strength), …
Dental Implants: Commonly Asked Questions
What are dental implants? Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth (View Example). They are inserted into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure that takes place in the dental office. After the implant has been placed in your jawbone, a completely lifelike porcelain tooth crown is attached. In some cases, the implant needs to fuse with the bone for several months before it is permanently crowned; in other cases, you can have new (but temporary) teeth the same day your implants are placed. Is the procedure painful? Our patients tell us that there is very little to no discomfort associated with the placement of an implant, and there is minimal to no swelling. General anesthesia is available …
Missing Teeth: Causes, Consequences & Solutions
Think that there aren’t any real consequence to missing teeth? Think again! Missing teeth isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Teeth fulfill all kinds of roles, some of which require that they all work together. Gaps can, and do, make a difference in the overall wellness of your mouth/body. Why do adults lose their teeth? There are several common reasons why you might lose a tooth as an adult. Accidents and trauma: Painful events, such as taking an elbow to the teeth during a family football game, are one common way that people lose teeth. This is usually a one-time event that accompanies a trip to the dentist right away. Although painful, teeth that get knocked out are typically of less concern than those lost for other …
Three Reasons You Should Replace Missing Teeth
The aesthetic benefits you get from replacing missing teeth are a good enough reason to start the process, but the impact goes way beyond that. Replacing lost teeth is crucial for your long-term oral health. Here are some of the reasons why patients should consider replacing missing teeth sooner rather than later: 1. Lost function and form are restored Teeth and their roots work in tandem to stabilize a person's bone structure and bite. When some teeth are missing, the teeth surrounding them are prone to shifting towards the gap created by the lost tooth. This can easily lead to crooked teeth alongside the hole in the person's smile. A tooth's roots serve an important role in keeping the bone structures in and around the jaw …
What’s Better: A Dental Implant or a Bridge?
Tooth loss is extremely common. It’s estimated that 69 percent of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least one adult tooth. By age 74, about a quarter of Americans lose all of their adult teeth. When you lose a tooth, it’s essential to get a proper replacement to keep the rest of your teeth aligned. Replacement teeth can also help you maintain your facial shape and avoid difficulties with eating or speaking. Two of the most common options are dental bridges and implants. Dental bridges are false teeth held in place by the teeth around your missing tooth. They’re usually made from materials like porcelain or plastic to match your natural tooth color. They can cover one or several missing teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots …