Dental Implants Are the Best Option to Replace Aging Bridges

Millions of Americans have missing teeth. Two popular ways to replace them are dental implants and bridges.

A dental bridge is composed of three or more fake teeth (crowns) where either end attaches to a healthy tooth, suspending an artificial tooth to fill in the gap. Even as recently as 20 years ago, dental bridges were considered one of the best alternatives to tooth replacement. But thanks to modern dental implants, that’s no longer the case!

We can now use dental implants to support single teeth as well as multi-tooth dental bridges for a permanent smile solution. If you have a missing tooth or need to update a dental bridge, implant dentistry is the perfect solution. From multiple teeth bridges to partial dentures, implant supported bridges are changing the face of implant surgery and oral reconstruction.

Should I Consider Tooth Replacement?

Need a new dental bridge? Already have a missing tooth? Are there health concerns related to missing teeth? Absolutely. Tooth loss triggers side effects like:

• Bone loss (resorption) around your missing tooth
• Movement and shifting in natural teeth
• Changes in your diet
• Malabsorption issues
• Premature aging in your facial profile

With dental implants, you can permanently replace missing teeth while also maintaining normal function and bone health. A single implant or implant dental bridge will replace your missing tooth and surrounding teeth while also strengthening your jaw bone.

Dental Implants Function Like Natural Teeth

Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone to mimic natural tooth roots. Once integrated, they support the fixed crown on top of them, giving you a “new tooth.” Implants are an aesthetically pleasing artificial tooth that functions similar to natural teeth. They also stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone loss.

If you choose to get a dental implant with a crown, it will offer a more natural appearance and function. Although dental bridges are often cheaper upfront, they do not offer as long-term of an investment. Implants can last for life.

Getting dental implants has become a quick and simpler dental surgery thanks to new technology. Only a small amount of numbing medication is necessary!

A Comparison: Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges To Replace A Missing Tooth

Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that function like natural teeth. As an added bonus, they’re even stronger than real teeth. When an implant screws in jawbone tissue, it mirrors your natural anatomy. A post supports the crown (fake tooth) for a stand-alone artificial tooth.

On the other hand, traditional bridges are attached to adjacent teeth, assuming they are healthy. These “false teeth” seal gaps between teeth so that you can smile and eat comfortably. But they rely on healthy natural teeth to be successful, whereas a dental implant can be placed practically anywhere. If you’re about to replace your missing tooth, investing in a dental implant will most closely mirror your natural tooth. Instead of multiple dental crowns fused together, your replacement tooth (dental implant) stands independently of adjacent teeth with one dental crown on top of it.

Bridges Fail Easier

Dental bridges are semi-permanent. They last for several years, but not as long as dental implants. For example, the entire bridge will require replacement if the natural teeth under it become decayed or develop gum disease. Cleaning them is a bit of a challenge, placing those areas at a higher risk of oral health concerns.

What makes dental implants preferred over two natural teeth supporting a bridge is that implants potentially last the rest of your life. If one tooth root or cavity impacts existing teeth under a bridge, the entire unit can fail. It doesn’t matter how many teeth are involved. But instead of teeth, dental implants stimulate the bone and are permanently set in place. When it comes to your replacement tooth, only one of these tooth replacement options is designed to last a lifetime.

Dental Implants Preserve Natural Teeth

When you choose to get dental implants, you’re able to permanently replace missing teeth without altering the other healthy ones in your mouth. So, if you only need one tooth replacement, you can skip on traditional dental bridges. Instead, dental implants replace both the root and dental crowns of missing teeth.

Bridges Sacrifice Healthy Teeth

Traditional dental bridges are supported by natural teeth on either end. However, in order to place them, the supporting tooth needs to be significantly smaller so that it fits inside a dental crown (at the end of the bridge). Unfortunately, these modifications are permanent since the enamel never grows back once it’s removed. The affected tooth is permanently weaker because of the enamel that is cut away. You’re essentially weakening an otherwise healthy tooth, when less invasive treatments like dental implants are available!

Dental Implants Last Longer

Dentists find that patients with traditional bridges last about 10 years at a time. Mostly because bacteria damage the natural teeth supporting the bridge on top of them. Once these teeth become decayed or weak from gum disease, they can no longer support fixed bridgework and will have to be removed.

All you really need to do to keep your implants healthy is to floss and brush around your restoration and neighboring teeth each day.

About Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Dental implants are used to replace lost tooth roots, supporting a crown or bridge on top of them. For an implant bridge, we place two implants into the jawbone during a dental surgery procedure. In this case, your dental bridge restoration is secured onto the dental implants rather than real teeth.

Natural-Looking, Durable Solutions For Missing Teeth

Implants and implant-supported dental bridges are a great, permanent replacement procedure for missing teeth. And with proper protection and care, implant bridges can last for decades. The benefits of dental implants have made them the modern-day golden standard for tooth replacement.

Contact The Center for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy in Los Angeles today to find out if dental implants are right for you.

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