Dental Bridge Vs Implant

Implant Or BridgeIf you are trying to find the best way to fix lost or missing teeth, your team at the office of Dr. Carol Jin DDS in San Ramon, CA is here to help. Two of the most common fixes for gaps in teeth are dental bridges and dental implants. Both treatment options are very common and depend entirely on your specific needs. Here is a little more information to help you weigh the pros and cons between dental bridges vs. implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant begins with a metal post placed securely in the jawbone where your tooth used to be. New bone then grows around this structure and a dental crown is screwed in place, replacing the missing tooth. This procedure happens over multiple visits with time to heal in between each. Here are some of the pros of choosing a dental implant over a dental bridge:

  • Often A Lifetime Solution
  • Supports Surrounding Teeth & Jaw
  • Encourages Healthy Gums
  • More Natural Facial Appearance As You Age
  • Feels & Functions Like A Natural Tooth

What Are Dental Bridges?

If you choose to get a dental implant, caps are installed to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. A crown is attached to these caps, bridging or filling the space, but not physically attaching to the jaw bone. Because extra stress occurs on the nearby teeth and there is nothing to support the bone beneath, dental bridges may need to be repeated over time.
Some pros of getting a dental bridge instead of dental implants include the following:

  • Often Performed Within Two Visits
  • A Quick, Affordable Option
  • No Bone Grafting Required

Implants vs. Bridges, Which One’s Best?

Now that you know what the difference is between dental implants and dental bridges, you’re probably wondering which option is best for you. Talk to your dentist to review your current dental health and more thoroughly discuss your options. Sometimes a mixed approach of both implants and bridges are used when many teeth are missing in an area.

Let Us Give You New Reasons To Smile

Stop hiding your smile on dates or refusing to smile altogether in photographs. With reliable, durable, affordable treatment options and top quality care, we want to give you new reasons to smile. So, contact us today at the office of Dr. Carol Jin DDS in San Ramon, CA. We will help you choose between dental bridges and dental implants for tooth replacement customized to your specific needs.