Tooth loss due to decay or injury can be challenging, especially when considering options. Patients need to be aware of many options before making any decisions.
Often, there is a cost factor associated with replacement options. While it may be cheaper to go with a removable denture in the long term, there is an associated bone loss that occurs over time since a denture does not provide enough stimulation to the bone below it to keep it active.
Dental Implants are titanium posts that have long been used in medicine. The titanium post fuses to the bone, allowing a crown to be attached. The natural appearance of the final result often surprises many people since the tooth feels and functions like a natural tooth.
Generally, the surgical aspect of placing dental implants is done at an oral surgeon’s offsurgeon’s West BowmansurgeonBowmansurgeon’silyteam of experienced dentists is trained in the placement of the dental implant and the restoration of the crown portion afterward. The advantage is that one dentist performs the treatment and can envision your final product from start to finish.
For comparison, we can expect that a bridge will need replacement over a 10-15-year span. The reason is that a bridge does not provide enough stimulation to the bone below the missing space. Consequently, the bone will still shrink, creating a gap between the gum and the artificial tooth. This can lead to a food trap. Often, patients report an unpleasant odor from the area due to the difficulty in maintaining the area clean.
Similarly, dental implants have minimal impact on surrounding teeth. They integrate with the jaw, requiring no support from their neighbors. Conversely, a bridge requires crowns on adjacent teeth to hold the pontic (prosthetic crown) in place. That process can weaken those teeth, removing some enamel to accommodate the crown.
Most people who lose a single tooth can choose a dental implant, a fixed permanent bridge, or a partial denture as a replacement. Dental implants mimic natural teeth, so they’re increasingly popular.
For mothey’rermatmothey’rermationin touch with our office at (905-697-1118)
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Bishara at West Bowmanville Family Dental
