Implants vs Bridges
Cherry Hill, NJ
 Losing a tooth can be a very upsetting experience. Whether it was knocked out due to trauma or injury to the site, or you had to have it extracted due to advanced decay or infection, it can certainly take its toll on your self-esteem and appearance. Fortunately, losing a tooth does not have to mean that you will look less attractive or feel shy about sharing your smile with the world, nor does it mean that you should suffer from decreased bite function because of it.
However, when it comes to addressing the tooth loss itself, you do have your choice of options, with the two most common ones being either a dental implant or a bridge. If you are missing one or more teeth in your mouth, Cherry Hill Dental Smiles can help you better understand your restoration options and help you decide between undergoing a dental implant or choosing a dental bridge.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a type of prosthetic restoration that can help replace a missing tooth in your mouth. Unlike dental bridges, these are considered to be a more permanent restoration. In many cases, if you take good care of your dental implant, it can actually last your entire life. That said, there are a few key features of dental implants that help make them so impressive and beneficial.
Getting a dental implant starts with a minor procedure. This procedure allows us to place the dental implant directly into your jawbone. Once we place the implant, we will then wait for it to fuse with the bone. This process is known as “osseointegration,” and it is vital to help ensure that the implant is stable. When osseointegration is complete, we will then attach the abutment and crown to the implant, thereby finalizing the procedure.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Unlike a dental implant, a dental bridge is considered more temporary. However, there are a few other things that can distinguish it from an implant. For instance, bridges are not surgically placed into the jawbone. Instead, there are a variety of approaches that we may take to help determine which type of bridge is ideal for your unique needs. The location of your missing tooth, as well as your oral health, will help decide which type of bridge is best for you.
In many cases, though, it involves attaching a crown to your surrounding teeth, then using them to serve as an abutment for your bridge. You will need to continue to take care of your bridge and treat it like it is a real tooth, as this will help ensure the longevity of your restoration. Unlike implants, though, a dental bridge is not expected to last forever. In many cases, though, it can last up to a decade or longer before we will need to replace it.
Are You a Good Candidate?
If you are missing one or more teeth from your mouth, then you may be wondering if you might be a good candidate for either a dental bridge or a dental implant. Our team of professionals here at Cherry Hill Dental Smiles can help you better understand each option to help you make an informed decision about which is best for you. To learn more about these restorations, please give us a call at 856-667-3737 today!
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