Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

Medford, NJ dentist officeAre you missing one or more teeth? If so, we recommend pursuing your tooth replacement options as soon as possible. Missing teeth create more than just cosmetic concerns for your smile. They may also lead to the development of dental concerns like gum disease, tooth decay, worn down teeth, and dental shifting. Most patients who visit our Medford, NJ dentist office must choose between dental implants and dental bridges to replace a missing tooth. Learn more about the similarities and differences between these two tooth replacement options below.

Dental Implants in Medford, NJ

Dental implants are considered the premier tooth replacement option that modern dentistry has to offer right now. This is because dental implants go above and beyond cosmetically replacing a missing tooth. The dental implant is composed of three parts: a surgically implanted titanium post, an abutment, and a dental crown. The surgically implanted titanium post acts as a substitute for your missing tooth roots. As the post heals, it will fuse together with your jawbone and provide your restored tooth with tooth-root functionality. Keep in mind that because a dental implant involves a surgical procedure, healing times can vary anywhere from 6-10 months. Despite this, dental implants have a very high patient-satisfaction rating. This is because once the abutment is secured to the titanium post and topped with a dental crown, you will have a restored tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. This means no dietary restrictions or oral hygiene hazards. You can eat, drink, and care for your dental implant just as you would with a natural tooth. The hardware of a dental implant is protected by your own soft tissues, making this a permanent option for tooth replacement.

Dental Bridges in Medford, NJ

Dental bridges are a more cost-effective approach to tooth replacement. Instead of requiring a surgical procedure as dental implants do, dental bridges rely on the fully external support of your surrounding teeth to hold a prosthetic tooth in the place of the missing tooth. Because dental bridges do not require a surgical procedure, the placement of a dental bridge can take place within just two visits to our Medford, NJ dentist office. It’s important to keep in mind that even though dental bridges are a cost-effective approach to tooth replacement, they will not provide the same long-term benefits that dental implants provide. Patients must follow certain dietary restrictions to prevent the bridge hardware from becoming damaged. Excessively crunchy or chewy foods may damage the bridge hardware, requiring a replacement. Additionally, certain oral hygiene precautions will need to be taken to ensure the health of your dental bridge and surrounding teeth. Patients will need to take extra care when brushing and flossing around the dental bridge to ensure there are no food particles trapped in the hardware.

Tooth Replacement Options in Medford, NJ

If you are missing one or more teeth, we hope you will consider visiting Dental Creations to learn more about your tooth replacement options. Our team of talented restorative dentists will help you decide which tooth replacement option is right for you. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to helping you restore your smile after tooth loss.