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.