If you lose a tooth, your dentist will encourage you to replace it as quickly as possible. Two of the most popular solutions are dental implants and dental bridges. Each is quite different, so you will need to decide which option is best for you.

Dental Implants
A dental implant is an advanced way to restore a missing tooth, consisting of an artificial tooth root in the shape of a small screw inserted into the jawbone. The screw may be made from titanium, a highly biocompatible metal or from a ceramic material called zirconia. It soon fuses with the jawbone creating an incredibly strong anchorage point for a new crown that is fitted onto the dental implant.

Most people in Whitby are suitable for dental implant treatment, but our dentist will need to assess your suitability, and it’s essential to determine if you have enough bone to hold the implants securely in place. Treatment may be less suitable for people who smoke or who have health problems affecting their immune system, which can make healing that much harder.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for tooth loss provided they are cared for properly. Most people will enjoy their dental implants for years, if not for life. Because dental implants are freestanding, they can protect and preserve your remaining natural teeth. There is no need to reshape your teeth, and the dental implant will share the stresses created when you bite or chew food. However, it is necessary to have a small surgical procedure to place the implant in the jaw.

This can deter some people who may be nervous about the thought of oral surgery, but don’t forget there are always options to assist you, such as sedation dentistry in Ajax. Also, the actual procedure is pretty quick, and generally, any discomfort afterwards is minor. Another thing to consider is the beneficial effect on your jawbone. Because dental implants replicate real teeth roots, they help to prevent bone loss that naturally occurs after removing teeth.

Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a more traditional form of tooth replacement and uses the adjacent teeth for support. The teeth either side of the gap are shaped so they can be crowned. A dental crown covers a tooth entirely. These crowns are attached to the replacement tooth called a pontic and which bridges the gap between the teeth.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have been widely used for years and treatment is fairly non-invasive. A dental bridge can be a good solution if the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are decayed or broken down and would generally benefit from a dental crown. Otherwise, it is necessary for your dentist to grind down potentially healthy teeth, shaping them for the dental crowns so they can support the dental bridge. Also, these adjacent or abutment teeth need to be strong enough to be suitable for support.

Deciding Which Is Best
Here at Margolin Dentistry, our experienced dentists can assess your dental health and can discuss the most suitable way to replace any missing teeth. We can explain both procedures in far more detail, including how they could help you and any possible risks. Our dental office is equipped with the most up-to-date technology to assess the quality of your jawbone and to plan advanced treatments like dental implants. Of course, we can also discuss dental bridge and dental implant costs in Oshawa and the time required for each.

Dental implant treatment in Ajax may initially cost a little more than a dental bridge, but it can last longer. Ultimately, over your lifetime, a dental implant may save time and money.