Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid the loss of a tooth. Accidents, injuries and gum disease can lead to unavoidable tooth loss.
In rare cases, individuals can also genetically fail to develop all of their permanent teeth.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two popular treatment options used to replace missing teeth are dental implants and dental bridges. Both options are very desirable and have great outcomes when indicated.
The question is which option is right for you, should you get a dental implant or a bridge?
Unfortunately, many patients don’t have the information they need to make the best choice for their oral health and smile.
Not replacing teeth with stable restorations can result in teeth shifting causing negative effects on other teeth.
Dental clinics in Delhi ensure that our patients never go without teeth and are able to carry on with their lives as normal.
Both dental implants and dental bridges offer a cosmetic and functional solution for missing teeth. However, there are significant differences between the two.
I. Dental Implant
A dental implant is basically a titanium root part which sits in the original tooth’s bone socket at the site of the missing tooth. The titanium works well with the bone and actually forms a bond with it over time, much like the original bond between the tooth and the jaw bone.
This process can take up to six months to complete. This is essential as it prevents bone loss and creates an incredibly stable and durable prosthetic.
They are stronger, last longer, and look more natural than any other option currently available.
The biggest benefit of choosing a dental implant is that it supports jaw health. The bone remains strong and healthy which positively impacts both your oral health and the shape of your face as you age.
Dental implant specialists in Delhi are doing a very efficient job of doing the replacement of missing teeth with dental implants.
Bone structure and strength are also an important consideration in implant placement. Narrow or thin jaw bone in the area of the missing tooth may not be able to support the implant. Bone grafting is possible and quiet successful for many people in these cases, but not for everyone.
Medical conditions and long-term medications may also influence the potential failure of an implant.
The benefits of dental implant
Best for patients with:
Excellent oral health, good oral hygiene habits, and sufficient jaw bone density with or without grafting.
Dentists in India are seeing an increased awareness in patients regarding dental implants.
II. Dental Bridge
The option of a bridge has been around in dentistry for a long time. A bridge can be a very long lasting option for replacing missing teeth in many cases.
Bridge is fixed in place by attaching to the natural adjacent teeth. As the name implies, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap between teeth resulting from a missing tooth.
It requires that there are two or more healthy, natural restorable teeth on either side to support it to attach a crown that can fill the missing tooth space.
The primary factor in determining bridge candidacy is the health and stability on the supporting teeth. If you suffer from gum disease, tooth decay or have chips or cracks, you may need to undergo additional treatments before the teeth are strong enough to support a dental bridge.
Traditionally, bridges were made with metal or gold. Today, bridges are now made with strong, durable, and more attractive all-ceramic materials.
The benefits of bridge
Best for patients with:
Excellent oral health, good oral hygiene habits, and strong supporting teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
Benefits of restoring your smile
Both dental bridges and implants increase your quality of life. They can:
Dental implants are the better choice in for tooth replacement in most cases, offering advantages in terms of long-term oral health and function, appearance and comfort that no other option can.
However, if dental implants are not an option for you, dental bridges can provide an adequate alternative for replacing missing teeth.
Remember, the conditions that caused you to lose a tooth initially can still affect the ultimate success of a bridge or an implant.
Gum disease can still infect the base of an implant or the anchor teeth of a bridge. Patients who are heavy grinders can still break the restoration, the teeth supporting the bridge, or even implant in the bone itself.
Good oral care, regular visits to your dentist and protective appliances like a night guard can all go a long way in helping you extend the life of your replacement tooth.
Dentists in Delhi help you to identify the best option for your tooth, your smile, your long-term oral health, and your budget.
Posted by- Dr Shriya