Poor dental hygiene and accidents are the most common reasons people have missing teeth. Whatever the reason, you shouldn't have to live with one or more teeth missing. Find out why more patients are choosing dental implants and implant-supported bridges to fix their missing teeth.
Dental Implants for One Missing Tooth
A dental implant looks and works just like your natural teeth, and the procedure doesn't require you to sacrifice the health of surrounding teeth. Fixed bridges are another common treatment used to replace a tooth, and require the teeth on either side to be ground down. Since dental implants are fused into the jaw bone, they don't only replace the tooth, but the root as well, better preserving the supporting bone.
Since your dental implant will be essentially the same as the rest of your teeth, it is also easier to clean, whereas a bridge may allow more debris and bacteria into the gum line even with regular brushing and flossing. In the long term, your dental implant will last far longer; up to 20 years or more with proper care.
Dental Implants for Multiple Teeth
Dental implants for more than one tooth have the same general advantages as single-tooth implants. Implant-supported bridges do not require support from adjacent teeth, and will give your smile a natural, appealing look, while keeping the jaw bones healthy and intact. Fixed bridges and partial dentures may cause the supporting bone to deteriorate, weakening your smile. Implant-supported bridges will be more comfortable and functional, lasting far longer than the alternatives.
Courtesy of the American Academy of Periodontology
