If you’re missing a tooth, you really need to get a replacement in that space. That’s why you need to call our Royal Oak, MI dental office today at 248-541-1388. With Dr. Duffield’s experience and training, you can get a full, complete smile once again. But which should you choose: a dental bridge or a dental implant?
Why You Cannot Ignore A Missing Tooth
Some people will say, “I don’t need either! It’s just a lost tooth, and I’m not vain.” Getting all your teeth back is not a question of vanity. Sure, your smile looks much better after you get a dental bridge or dental implant. However, there are other problems created by a missing tooth.
- The rest of your teeth become crooked without the support of the missing tooth.
- You can have trouble pronouncing certain words clearly.
- It’s harder to feel confident speaking to people, especially ones you’ve just met.
- Your self-esteem can be lower.
- Food is harder to bite and chew.
By calling Duffield Dentistry today, you can get a replacement tooth and avoid all those problems. It’s not vain to want to look good, especially because how you look can affect your confidence and how you feel about yourself. After all, this is just about restoring your smile to how it used to be.
Two Restorative Dentistry Treatments For Lost Teeth
To replace your missing tooth, you have two options: a dental bridge or a dental implant. Both feature a beautiful replacement tooth that looks and feels like one of your real teeth. The difference is in how that replacement is kept in the empty space.
Dental bridges place two dental crowns on either tooth next to the gap. Then the replacement is bonded in place. You get the replacement held firmly without surgery. The dental crowns look like the teeth they cover, so your dental bridge will fit in with your smile.
Dental implants attach the replacement tooth to an implanted, artificial tooth root. This requires oral surgery, but it’s also the closest you can get to regrowing the tooth that you lost. As with a dental bridge, a dental implant will look and feel natural in your smile.
Comparing Dental Bridges And Dental Implants
Which should you get? Everybody’s smile is unique. That’s why Dr. Duffield will thoroughly examine your mouth before making any recommendations. However, you are a partner in your dental care here at our Royal Oak, MI dental office. Here is how these two dental restorations compare so you can make an informed choice.
AT-HOME CARE
When it comes to what you need to do at home to make your dental restoration last, dental bridges and dental implants are about the same. You cannot floss around the dental bridge since the bond with the neighboring dental crowns gets in the way. But other than that, you just need to brush, floss, and visit a dentist regularly.
COST
If you want the more affordable option, then you want a dental bridge. Dental implants require oral surgery to put them in place. Because surgery requires so many different tools, anesthetic, and so on, it becomes more expensive. Dental bridges do not require any oral surgery, making them the more affordable option.
HEALTH
If you want a dental restoration that keeps you healthier, then you want a dental implant. Your jawbone is supposed to have teeth’s roots in it. These roots stimulate the bone tissue, keeping it healthy. When you’ve lost the tooth and its root, your jawbone starts to deteriorate. Dental bridges do not include a root, so they do not keep your jawbone strong. Dental implants have an artificial root that provides the needed stimulation.
DURABILITY
No dental restoration lasts forever. Eating food puts too much pressure and stress on things. That said, dental implants will outlast dental bridges. A dental bridge should last you about 10 years, whereas a dental implant should last 20 years or more. If you want to wait the longest before having to replace a dental restoration, then you want a dental implant.
Call us TODAY at 248-541-1388 or send us a message online to make an appointment for restorative dentistry. Dental bridges and dental implants will both give you back the tooth you lost.
As you can see above, dental implants are often the better choice. However, every situation is different. Dr. Duffield has years of training and experience in using both to replace teeth. Together, you and Dr. Duffield can discuss which is best for your smile.