Dental Bridge or Dental Implant?

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing or broken teeth with fake teeth, the bridge needs one or more real teeth on either side of the gap to hold the fake teeth in place.

Bridges may be fixed, which means that they are permanent, or removable, which means that you can take them out.

When Do I Need a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge can you feel more comfortable with your smile. It can also enable you to chew normally. When you lose one or more teeth, it can affect your bite, causing pain or difficulty eating. Replacing those teeth prevents these complications.

You may need a bridge if:

• a tooth is so decayed that it falls out or a dentist removes it
• an accident or injury damages a tooth beyond repair
• decay or infection is so deep within a tooth that neither a filling nor a root canal are sufficient

What is a Dental Bridge?

Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge to replace missing or broken teeth. A dental bridge can replace a tooth or several teeth. The fake teeth in dental bridges look and function like real teeth.

For a dental bridge, you need to see a cosmetic dentist who loves restoring peoples smiles and dental function and is adept at replacing missing teeth.  There are many options for filling a gap in a smile, make sure you know all your options before your start treatment.

One option is to have a crown — a fake tooth attached to a small portion of real tooth that the dentist has ground down. If you have lost a tooth or the dentist has had to remove it, or if a crown alone is not an option, a dental bridge may be the best choice.

The term “bridge” refers to a structure that contains one or more fake teeth. The structure is often anchored in place with one or more crowns on either side of the gap in your mouth. For example, if you lose several front teeth, due to injury or decay, a dentist may use a bridge to fill in the gap.

You may not wish to have a gap in your teeth after having a tooth removed, as you need a tooth in that area for chewing or because of cosmetic concerns.

What Are Dental Implants?

For some people, a permanent dental implant is an alternative to a bridge. Dental implants are fake teeth that dentists surgically insert into bone in the mouth.

For others people, dentists recommend implants to help secure a bridge, particularly if many teeth are missing.

All the Appledore dentists are cosmetic and family dentists, they can advise you which treatment would be the best option for you. Implants at Appledore are placed by Dr Martin. If you need some advice, get in touch with our friendly dentists today.