Why Dental Implants Are the Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth?

If you are missing teeth, there are various cosmetic and functional restoration options available to restore your smile. In Edina, MN, dental bridges and dental implants are two popular options that offer benefits to improve oral health, oral function, and esthetics. Although both restorations share similarities, there are distinct differences between them, such as durability, cost, and length of procedure, among others.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DENTAL BRIDGES AND IMPLANTS

A dental bridge comprises of one or more pontics, which are false teeth, placed between two abutment crowns. Typically, pontics are made of porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or ceramic, while the crowns can be attached to healthy natural teeth or dental implants. In cases where the last tooth on an arch needs to be replaced, a cantilever bridge can be attached using a single abutment crown. Dental bridges are ideal in situations where the teeth surrounding the missing tooth already have crowns attached to them or could benefit from crowns.

On the other hand, dental implants consist of titanium posts topped with dental crowns. Following the initial placement, the dental implant post fuses with the jawbone tissue through a process called as osseointegration. Once the implant has integrated with the patient's jawbone, a crown can be attached using a small metal device called an abutment. With dental implants, multiple or single teeth can be restored, which is an advantage over bridges since it eliminates the potential for damage to occur to neighboring teeth and protects the jawbone. Dental implants are perfect in situations where patients want to protect their natural teeth surrounding the missing tooth.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST TEETH ALTERNATIVE FOR YOU?

If you are considering dental bridges or dental implants, it is important to note that these dental restoration procedures are excellent options to reveal a new, luscious smile. Whether you opt for dental bridges or single dental implants, your new smile is just a step away. Contact our highly skilled doctor, Dr. Bashar, DDS, at our Edina, MN clinic, and start planning to achieve your best smile yet by scheduling a consultation today.