Have you lost a tooth or multiple teeth due to an accident, poor oral health, or aging? A missing tooth can be detrimental to your confidence and oral health. Worst of all, they can prevent you from enjoying all of the foods you love. Fortunately, our dental office in Millwoods provides to different options to replace your missing teeth and restore your smile.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
If you’re missing a tooth at the back of your mouth, you may think it’s no big deal since no one can see it anyways. However, a missing tooth can cause many negative effects, such as:
- Misalignment of your teeth as Your remaining teeth shift in an attempt to close the gap
- Jawbone loss causes your mouth to sink resulting in a change in facial structure and shape
- Difficulties eating and speaking
- Decreased self-confidence
- Increased risk of developing an oral infection due to bacteria accumulation in the gap
Missing teeth can negatively impact your oral health, overall health, and quality of life. This can be averted. Contact our dental office in Millwoods to see which restoration is ideal for you!
Bridges? Implants? What’s Right for Me?
Our dentist in Millwoods provides various options to restore missing teeth, including dental bridges and dental implants. During your consultation, our dentist will determine which option is more suitable for your situation. To determine which option is best suited for you, it is important for you to understand what a dental bridge is and what are dental implants.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a series of crowns. The hardest crown will replace your missing tooth, while the others cap your neighbouring teeth for support.
Dental bridges bridge the gap created by missing tooth or teeth. The gap is filled with false teeth anchored on each side by natural teeth or dental implants covered by crowns. These are the anchoring teeth or abutments. It is important to note a little bit of the enamel from the natural abutment teeth needs to be drilled out in preparation for receiving a crown which forms part of the bridge. The false teeth that fill the gap are called pontics. The pontic can be one or two teeth. The complete procedure takes two visits to the dentist and can be completed in as little as two weeks.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. Since they are made from a biocompatible material, they will fuse with your body through a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to feel very similar to your natural teeth.
Dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. A dental implant is a metal post usually made of titanium that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of your natural tooth, without damaging or putting pressure on the adjacent teeth. The titanium will gradually fuse with your jawbone through osseointegration during a three-to-six-month period. This allows the implant to feel very similar to your natural teeth. Once the dentist ascertains the stability of the implant, a crown is placed and screwed in place. Properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime and retain their look. Being fused to the jawbone, prevent bone loss.
Which option is best?
Both options will significantly improve your ability to speak, chew, and eat. But which option to choose. This is dependent on the individual situation. Is the replacement for one tooth or multiple teeth? In one procedure, a bridge can replace multiple teeth whereas multiple drillings and surgeries are required to place implants to replace more than one tooth. When you compare the two procedures, dental implants are much sturdier and longer-lasting. However, they also require at least a few months to complete as it takes a while for your body to adjust and accept the implant. Bridges, on the other hand, can be crafted in a few weeks.
A More Precise and Effective Alternative to Traditional Implants
Regardless of which restorative treatment you choose, your new smile can improve your confidence and life. The idea of surgical treatments can be off-putting for some patients. Did you know, that our office offers guided dental implants in Millwoods? Our dentist in Millwoods uses advanced technology to precisely, efficiently, and effectively place the implants. Rest assured, guided implants will ensure your new tooth is accurately placed for optimal functionality.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re looking to receive dental implants in Millwoods, please contact our office to schedule a consultation and become a step closer to a beautiful, newly restored smile!
