Are you wondering about Bridges versus Implants in Coquitlam?
If you have lost a tooth you may be wondering about bridges versus implants in Coquitlam and which is the best option for you. There are several factors that you should know which will help you to understand the differences between these options and what’s likely to work best for you.
A Dental Bridge is a prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. And, just like a land bridge, a dental bridge requires a solid structure on either side. In the case of your mouth, that solid structure is your adjacent teeth. So the surrounding teeth need to be in good shape. Dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years, or longer, with good oral hygiene and regular checkups.
With a Dental Bridge, the adjacent teeth need to be prepped by removing most of the enamel in order to affix the bridge. It will usually require 2 or more visits to your dentist. On the first appointment, the surrounding teeth will be prepped and measurements taken for the bridge to be fabricated. On the second visit, if the teeth are in good shape, the dentist should be able to attach the bridge. There are other factors to determine how many visits it will take though. How long the tooth has been missing and the health of the gums make a difference.
At one point, a bridge was your only choice for replacing missing teeth. But now there is another option: a Dental Implant (or tooth implant).
Just as the name suggests, Dental Implants actually replace the missing tooth, or teeth, and the roots below. They are made to match your existing teeth and are stronger and more durable than bridges, often lasting a lifetime. The material the implants are made of actually fuse with your jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration and they are very resistant to decay and gum problems.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both procedures and differences in cost. Some factors that guide your dentist’s decision are the health of the gums, how long the tooth or teeth have been missing, the state of the surrounding teeth and whether there are fillings, crowns or caps. Read more of our posts on Tips for Oral Health.
Book an appointment to discuss your options with one of our experienced dentists today.