Are Dental Implants Better than Dental Bridges?
If you have missing teeth, or your dentist in Burlington has recommended tooth replacement, there are a couple of options. The method you choose depends on how long your tooth has been missing and where the missing tooth is located.
Dental implants require sufficient bone. If you are missing an upper tooth, sinus lift surgery is usually necessary, as there isn’t enough bone to hold the tooth. If this is the case and you don’t want surgery, your other options include temporary or partial dentures and dental bridges.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are manufactured out of titanium and are surgically placed in or on top of your jawbone. In most cases, missing teeth on the bottom will not require surgery unless the tooth has been missing for some time.
If your teeth have been gone for more than a few months, Dr. Mike Morris and his team from Chittenden Dental may recommend bone replacement surgery for adequate dental implant support.
After the implant has been placed, it could take up to a year for the area, or areas to heal. How much time it takes to heal will depend on your body and what type of procedures you had for your dental implants.
Once healed, an artificial tooth will be placed over the top of the post.
Dental implants can last for the rest of your life as long as you practice good oral hygiene.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge acts as a support system for an artificial tooth. Like a bridge, an artificial tooth connects the two adjoining teeth with crowns that fit over the top.
Your dentist in Burlington will take an impression of your teeth before sending it to a lab. During that time, you will be fitted with a temporary dental bridge. Your new bridge will be colored to match the rest of your natural teeth and can be made from porcelain or porcelain to metal.
Because it is an oral appliance, greater care needs to be taken with dental bridges. You’ll need to learn how to use a floss threader, and be more diligent with brushing and flossing. Although your new artificial tooth won’t get cavities, the ones that surround it could. With good oral hygiene, your dental bridge can last for ten years or more.
A New Smile in Burlington
If you have a missing tooth, and would like more information regarding dental implants and dental bridges call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mike Morris. Chittenden Dental is equipped to give you the smile of your dreams with a missing tooth replacement that suits your needs.
Call for an appointment with your dentist in Burlington today.
