Many patients visit our dentist office looking for tooth replacement options. When you are missing a tooth, we understand that you are looking for a restoration that meets both your lifestyle and budgetary needs. As your trusted dentist in Chevy Chase, MD, Dr. Banks usually recommends dental implants or dental bridges to replace missing teeth. Here are some key differences between these two types of tooth restorations:
Dental Bridges Require External Support
Dental bridges require the support of your surrounding teeth to hold a prosthetic tooth in the missing tooth’s place. This means that the surrounding teeth will have a small amount of enamel removed from them to make space for the dental bridge. Because we can easily access your surrounding teeth, this makes the dental bridge process a faster restorative solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants, on the other hand, require a surgical procedure to insert a titanium post into your soft tissues. The post is then allowed to heal for around six months before it is topped with an abutment and dental crown.
Dental Implants Have Tooth-Root Functionality
Dental bridges can help bridge the gap in your smile, and they cosmetically can conceal any unsightly empty spaces. However, dental bridges do not have the tooth-root functionality that dental implants have. The titanium post that is allowed to heal and fuse with your jawbone gives your dental implant the support it needs to function almost exactly like a natural tooth. Even though the healing process is longer for a dental implant, many patients prefer this option because it does not come with the lifestyle alterations that dental bridges require. With dental bridges, you may be asked to avoid eating certain chewy or crunchy foods to ensure the oral appliance is not damaged. Additionally, you will need to learn how to brush and floss underneath the bridge. Because all of the elements of dental implants lie below your soft tissues, dental implants can be cared for just as you would a natural tooth.
Schedule An Appointment
While dental implants and dental bridges both do the same job of restoring your smile after tooth loss, the two replacement options come with a variety of pros and cons that should be discussed with your dentist. As your trusted restorative dentist in Chevy Chase, MD, Dr. Banks is happy to sit down with you and discuss your smile restoration needs. If you have broken or missing teeth, contact Capital Cosmetic Dentistry in Chevy Chase for a consultation. We look forward to seeing you soon.