Dental implants and dental bridges are both part of our dental restorative measures at Hamilton Family Dentistry. Patients ask about implants versus bridges, but this is not an either-or scenario. Dental bridges and dental implants are used together to achieve smile restorations for patients. If you have missing teeth, we can use dental implants and bridges to help you regain the function and beauty of your smile.
What are Bridges?
Dental bridges are an appropriate choice when a patient is missing multiple teeth. You can stabilize a dental bridge by attaching it to the surrounding teeth, but this can cause stress on your existing teeth. Dental bridges can be supported using dental implants that are secured into your jawbone. Your jawbone accepts dental implants as replacement tooth roots through the healing process. A bridge secured using dental implants will be more stable for chewing and prevent your other teeth from shifting.
What are Implants?
Patients often mistakenly call prosthetic replacement teeth dental implants, but the implant part is the titanium screw. The dental implant or titanium screw is attached to your jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the implant, and then a crown or bridge is placed on top. A dental implant is placed where the tooth root would go, so it is not visible. Over time, your body will heal and integrate the implant through a process called osseointegration. Dental implants can be used for single tooth replacement, dental bridges, All-On-4, and dentures.
Determining the Best Restorative Solution
Since the issue is not an implant vs. bridge, you may be wondering what the best solution is for your teeth. Every patient’s smile is unique, so there is no one solution to fix everything. In general, dental bridges, All-On-4, and dentures are only used when a patient is missing multiple teeth or suffering from serious tooth damage. During a consultation, we can review the options for your smile and provide you with cost estimates as well.
If you are ready to restore your smile, give Hamilton Family Dentistry a call today!