Missing teeth pose several oral and overall health problems. For example, a missing tooth makes the gums more vulnerable to disease-causing bacteria. This can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease which causes overall health problems like diabetes and heart disease. One or more missing teeth also cause jawbone deterioration, leading to further tooth loss. The best way to stave off these consequences is to seek professional dental care.
Patients with one, two, or three missing teeth in a row have two restorative dental options: dental implants or a traditional dental bridge. So, how do you know which one is best? Our Grant Park dentist discusses these two options in this blog.
An implant is a small, screw-like rod that is inserted into the jawbone. The top of the implant sits right below the gums and attaches to an abutment—a connecting piece that joins the implant with the crown, bridge, or denture.
A traditional dental bridge and an implant-supported bridge are very different. Here are the benefits of choosing dental implants:
Some of the most common complaints about dental implants include:
Most of these disadvantages have an equal advantage. For example, the treatment process is long, and it may be more expensive, but patients will most likely never need to replace their implant ever again—this isn’t the case with other dental restorations. Therefore, patients may actually be saving money and time in the long run.
Traditional dental bridges replace one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. The bridge consists of prosthetic teeth between two dental crowns. These crowns attach to the healthy teeth on either side of the patient’s gap and the prosthetics hang in the middle.
The advantages of choosing a dental bridge include:
Patients sometimes choose implants over a dental bridge because of these disadvantages:
The best way to determine if a dental bridge or implant is the best restorative option for your smile is to visit your local dentist. Dr. Abbey J. Lee in Grant Park is an experienced and compassionate dentist who loves helping patients gain and maintain optimal oral health. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lee will examine your teeth and gums, discuss your smile goals, and recommend the best treatment option.
Contact our friendly dental team today at (404) 328-7177 to schedule your initial consultation.