Dental bridges and dental implants are both fixed replacements for missing teeth. Our Fort St. John dentists will help you choose the option that’s appropriate for your unique oral health needs.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed dental appliances that literally “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. They are permanent in the sense that, unlike dentures, they are attached to the teeth on either side of the gap, and can only be removed by the dentist.
How to care for your dental bridges
Once your dental bridge has been placed, you can care for it just like you do your natural teeth. As long as you brush and floss regularly to keep your bridge clean, and continue visiting your dentist regularly, it should last for many years.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a tiny titanium rod that is surgically implanted into the jaw bone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Titanium is a type of metal that can bond with natural bone, making it a secure and stable base for an artificial tooth. The artificial tooth is essentially a dental crown (cap) that is placed on top of the implant.
Together, the dental crown and implant look and feel just like a natural tooth.
How to care for your dental implants
Like bridges, take care of your dental implants just like your natural teeth. This includes a strong brushing and flossing routine, and regular visits to the dentist.
How do I know which option is right for me?
Dental implants and dental bridges both have their benefits, and the right choice for any given individual depends on that person’s oral health needs, and their budget.
Dental implants may look and feel somewhat more natural than dental bridges, but a dental implant treatment is significantly more invasive.
In addition, you must have a sufficient volume of jaw bone for the dental implant treatment to be successful. If you don’t, you may still be able get an implant, but you would need a bone graft procedure so that your jaw could support the implant. This would make the implant process even more invasive.
Ultimately, the only way to find out which tooth replacement option is right for you is to talk to the dentist.
