Understanding a dental implant vs a dental bridge from your Kennesaw dentist
Losing a permanent tooth has the immediate consequence of leaving a gap in the smile. There are further consequences to tooth loss, however, some of which are not realized right away. The various parts of the oral structure – the teeth, connective tissues, nerves, bone, and more – are interrelated with one another, and the oral structure is connected to other parts of the body through the digestive process.
The loss of even one tooth can be detrimental to oral health, the look of the smile, and chewing function. Tooth loss has long had two major solutions, dental bridges, and dentures. The development of dental implant treatment has changed the approach taken for tooth replacement. Our patients are given the opportunity to compare dental implant treatment vs a bridge or denture appliance. Side by side, it is easier to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment.
Dental bridges and dentures
The standard form of tooth replacement is designed to replace the portion of the tooth that is seen, the actual chewing surface. There are other parts to a tooth, however, below the surface of the gums.
When a dental bridge is made, the purpose is to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. The bridge structure contains an artificial tooth that has been fused to two dental crowns. These crowns are affixed to two healthy teeth, which have been modified to accommodate their restorations. These teeth anchor the artificial tooth and absorb the force of chewing.
Full dentures, as well, lie on top of the gums, but have no anchor because there are no remaining teeth. A denture appliance is designed to stay in place with the suction that naturally occurs between the appliance and the gums. As many people have discovered, this idea is good mainly in theory, not always effective in practice.
Dental implants
The major difference between implant treatment and bridges or dentures is that implants are anchored just like natural teeth, in the jawbone. Our natural teeth are tethered by their roots, whereas the implant post replaces the missing root so that whatever restoration is affixed is as stable as a natural tooth.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants carries many great benefits both to aesthetics and to oral health. Your dentist at Thirty-two Dental is happy to provide you with the details of treatment and help you determine if implants are right for you.
Contact our office for your consultation today.
About Dr. Sean Breckley
A graduate from the Temple University School of Dentistry and Susquehanna University, Dr. Sean Breckley is an established professional in the field of dentistry. He is a firm believer of contributing to the community and ensuring his patients receive the best possible dental care. Whilst maintaining his professionalism, Dr. Breckley takes time to get to know his patients and make sure they are comfortable and at ease to avoid any unnecessary dental anxiety and stress. He is presently a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Northwest District Dental Society, and a graduate of the Mercer Mastery Program.
About Dr. Lan Vo
A graduate from the University of California-Irvine and Temple University School of Dentistry, Dr. Lan Vo is a highly skilled and resourceful dentist in the field of professional dentistry. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Northwest District Dental Society, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a graduate of the Mercer Mastery Program whilst maintaining a certification with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Dr. Vo is very people-oriented and is a favorite amongst children and commands a great deal of trust amongst anyone who has had the fortune of being treated by her.