The dental team at Preston Dental Center always has your best interests in mind. We will always handle your situation with care and present you all of your options for tooth replacement. With our expertise, you can and should trust our recommendations for treatment, as they will always be the best options for your complete oral health.
Should I Get Dental Implants Or A Bridge?
Losing your adult teeth is never a good thing. Having holes in your smile can affect your mouth function, speech and even your self-confidence. People will most commonly find dental bridges and dental implants as potential solutions when turning to their dentist.
Which of these two options is best for you though? There are many factors to consider when choosing one solution over the other and it is crucial for you to understand what each treatment option entails so you can make an informed decision.
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
The structure underneath a tooth is a complex system of bone, ligaments and nerves. When a tooth is removed, so are the ligaments and nerves. When this is done, the surrounding area will begin to slowly deteriorate as well, leading to the neighbouring teeth having to be removed as well.
A dental implant will replace this structure with a metal post which is usually made of titanium. Over the course of a few months, new bone should grow around the post and secure it in place. If the post passes the dentist’s test, a crown (the replacement tooth) will be screwed into the post and sealed into place.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a section of fake teeth which are attached to two healthy teeth that surround a gap in the smile to fill it in.
Usually, the two teeth on each side of the gap are shaved down to accommodate the bridge. A cap is placed over each tooth which is attached to the bridge that replaces the missing teeth.
In areas of the mouth that can handle less force or only one tooth is missing, dentists will use a winged, or Maryland bridge which will be embedded into the neighboring teeth instead of fully capping them.
Sometimes, there may not be teeth on both sides of the gap. A common solution to this problem is to use what is called a cantilevered bridge. This type of bridge is attached to a single tooth on one side, and the bridge will hang over the gap to be filled.
Implants Vs. Bridges: What To Consider
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OUR MODERN FACILITY AND TECHNOLOGY
A modern, centrally located dental office that employs some of the most advanced dental equipment and instrument sterilization techniques makes Preston Dental Centre a unique health care facility. The warm inviting offices, natural light in every room and professional staff will all confirm that PDC is unlike any dental office you have visited before.
Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing the right solution for you. How much you will need to pay out of your own pocket for the procedure will vary depending on your coverage through your work benefits and/or insurance policy if you have them.
Most dental benefits packages through employment will cover these types of procedures up to a specific dollar amount for the year.
Insurance companies consider both dental bridges and implants to be high-end procedures, making it more difficult to make a claim to fully pay for either procedure. Because of the vast difference in cost between either treatment, insurance companies are more likely to pay for a dental bridge than an implant.
When considering either option for your missing tooth or teeth, it is best to check what is covered by your employment benefits first if you have them. If you also have insurance coverage, speak with your provider about the options you are considering and if you have information regarding benefits coverage, provide them that information as well. They will help you make your decision by telling you what claim options your have for either procedure.