What to Know Before Getting Veneers
February 16, 2023Deciding what tooth replacement solution is right for you isn’t always easy. Fortunately, our Portage dentists can help guide you and offer detailed recommendations. One of the restorative services we provide for patients is a dental bridge.
Here are 3 reasons why choosing a fixed dental bridge as your might be best.
Comparing Dental Bridges to Dental Implants
Despite being different procedures, dental implants do share a few similarities. For example, both restorative options fill in gaps in your smile and help maintain the natural shape of your face. They also improve your ability to chew and speak.
andNot everyone is a good fit or on board with the dental implant procedure, however. This is where dental bridges come in as an effective alternative. Bridges consist of one or more false teeth, or pontics, fused in between two dental crowns that are placed on top of teeth located on either side of the gap.
Unlike implants, there is no surgery involved although the abutment, or supporting, teeth are altered to accommodate the crowns. Dental bridges are also fixed which means they won’t shift or move like traditional dentures. Our dentists stand by both restorative options though there are certain circumstances where a bridge may be favored.
Our Dentists May Recommend a Dental Bridge if You:
1. Have Gum Disease
For dental implants or implant-retained dentures, your gums need to be in good shape for the placement of the titanium post. That means your gum health will have to be improved before an implant is even considered.
When gum disease is detected, treatment is key. Milder forms, like gingivitis, can be resolved with a more dedicated oral hygiene routine and a professional teeth cleaning. Severe periodontitis on the other hand is a chronic, long-term condition that requires regular treatment from our dentists to maintain.
If you suffer from a more serious case of gum disease that is irreversible, a dental bridge may be a decent option if you’re looking to also replace teeth. That’s because the bridge is not implanted into gum tissue and therefore, is less likely to be affected by gum disease.
2. Don’t Want to Undergo Oral Surgery and Spend Time Healing
Because healing and new bone growth in the jaw need to occur, the entire dental implant process can take a few months from start to finish. Many patients are willing to put in the time for the outcome, but not all feel the same.
A dental bridge created and placed by our dentists doesn’t involve oral surgery which is appealing to some patients. Moreover, like implants, a dental bridge also beautifully replaces missing teeth for a seamless smile you’ll want to proudly show off.
3. Frequently or Occasionally Smoke
Although our dentists strongly urge all patients to quit smoking for their oral and overall health, we understand that the habit is a personal choice. However, smoking can impede the speed at which you heal after surgical dental procedures.
Because of its effect on your gum tissues and mouth’s ability to recover, dental implants are not the best tooth replacement choice. Dental bridges are still a permanent solution to tooth loss and do not involve any wounds that require healing. That means their integrity is not affected by smoking in the same way as implants which are embedded into the jawbone.
Smile with Confidence Thanks to a Dental Bridge
Our dentists in Portage, MI, are proud to offer several options for patients looking to replace missing teeth. One of those options, dental bridges, is long-lasting and great for individuals who may not be ideal candidates for dental implants. Call Scott Ellard Dentistry & Facial Aesthetics at (269) 329-1880 to request an appointment and ask about the bridge procedure.