A missing tooth can be pretty disastrous for anyone as it affects not only their appearance when they smile but also how they speak, eat, and overall functionality. Whenever someone loses a tooth or a tooth extraction is done, they might think about the best way to replace the missing tooth.
You can either use dental implants or dental bridges. It does not make a difference, looks-wise. But, on a technical level, they are two completely different procedures. You need to know which is the best for you as both have pros and cons, and you need to decide which procedure is more convenient for you. If you are interested in getting any dental procedure in California, you can contact the Upland dentist.
Dental Implants: Pros and Cons
You can start by understanding what dental implants are. In simple words, a dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted where the tooth root used to be so that the bone grows around it, and the post is ready to have the crown fitted onto it. The metallic post is inserted into the jawbone in an area of bones, nerves, and ligaments. Since it is a surgical procedure, it is pretty expensive and has a lot of aftercare. Take a look at its pros and cons to decide whether you should get implants.
Pros:
- It is long-lasting. That is, there is a very high probability it can last for more than ten years.
- They do not affect the teeth around the missing tooth/teeth.
- They maintain their natural look for a much longer time than dental bridges.
Cons
- The process can take up to nearly 6 months, so you must be patient.
- There is a chance it may entail surgical complications.
- It is a pretty expensive procedure.
Dental Bridges: Pros and Cons
A dental bridge is a way to fill the space created by the missing teeth in your mouth. It connects to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap by literally creating a bridge in your smile. In traditional methods, the adjacent teeth are filed to make room for the bridge. Caps are then placed on these teeth, and the bridge is attached, replacing the missing teeth.
Pros
- They don’t require bone grafting or invasive surgery like dental implants.
- Dental bridges usually have a lower upfront cost compared to dental implants.
- The procedure generally involves only two visits to the dentist over a couple of weeks.
Cons
- Over time, dental bridges may lose their natural-looking appearance.
- Dental bridges can also damage healthy teeth from which they are drawing support.
- Even though they might last longer, they usually last for 5 to 7 years.