While it might be fun and exciting for kids to lose a tooth, it’s not quite the same experience for adults. After those baby teeth fall out and our permanent teeth grow in, we need to do our best to keep those teeth healthy and strong. Unfortunately, sometimes despite our best intentions, we can experience tooth loss as an adult. And, when we don’t treat a missing tooth with a replacement option, it can lead to more oral health issues down the road.

So, what are the best options? For most patients, the solution is either a dental bridge or dental implants. In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know about bridges and implants in Maryville, Missouri.

What are single dental implants?

Dental implants have become an exceptionally popular tooth replacement option in recent years. Patients love them because they are more reliable than dentures—no slippage and embarrassing moments—and they feel and function just like your natural teeth.

A single dental implant consists of three main parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown. The implant post is a small titanium screw that your dentist in Maryville, surgically placed into the jawbone. This post acts as the root of the new tooth. Over time, the jawbone fuses with the titanium post in a process called osseointegration, which makes sure the implant is secure.

Once the implant post is fully integrated, the abutment is attached to the post. This connector piece holds the custom-made crown, which is the visible part of the implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The crown is designed to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth.

Single dental implants not only restore your smile but also help maintain the health of your jawbone and prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth.

What are dental bridges?

Now that you know what a single dental implant is, let’s discuss your other tooth replacement option—a dental bridge. As the name implies, this option creates a “bridge” between your two healthy teeth on either side of the gap left behind by your missing tooth. As with dental implants, a bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth. These prosthetic teeth are called pontics and are held in place by your dental crowns that have been secured onto those healthy teeth—called the abutment teeth.

Dental bridges can be made from various materials—porcelain, ceramic, or metal. At Compass Dental, our preferred material is porcelain. This is a popular choice because porcelain bridges provide a natural-looking and functional replacement, restoring your ability to chew and speak properly.

Getting a dental bridge typically requires multiple visits to your dentist. During your initial visit, we will gently remove a small portion of the enamel from your abutment teeth to make room for the crowns. We’ll take impressions and intraoral digital scans of your mouth. This data is used to map out your teeth so we can create a custom bridge that fits perfectly in your mouth. On your follow-up visits, the bridge is fitted, adjusted, and permanently cemented in place.

Comparing Dental Implants and Bridges

So, what’s the best choice for you? Should you select a dental bridge or go with dental implants? Choosing between dental implants and bridges is largely a personal choice. It depends on the state of your health, how much you can invest in your dental care, etc. Here are some things to help you decide on your best option.

Appearance

Dental implants often provide a more natural look, as they are designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. The crown is custom-made to match the shape and color of your remaining teeth for a more natural look. On the other hand, dental bridges also look natural, but may not always match the appearance of your natural teeth as precisely as implants.

Long-term Dental Health

Dental implants help preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss, which can occur when a tooth is missing. The implant post stimulates the jawbone, maintaining its integrity and preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth. Bridges, while effective, do not provide this benefit and may require the removal of healthy enamel from adjacent teeth, which can impact their long-term health.

Cost Implications

Initial costs for dental implants are generally higher than those for dental bridges. However, implants tend to last longer and require fewer replacements, which can make them more cost-effective over time. Bridges might have a lower upfront cost but may need to be replaced more frequently, leading to higher long-term expenses.

Are you missing a tooth? Consider a single dental implant to restore your smile.

If you are missing a tooth, especially in the front of your mouth, you want to seek a long-lasting tooth replacement option that can help you regain your confidence without jeopardizing your ability to eat and speak. And, a single dental implant is the best way to help you do just that. With a 90 to 95% success rate, dental implants are the best restorative dentistry option designed to stand the test of time.

Contact your team at Compass Dental today. We’re here to help you regain your smile.