Dental Bridges and The Implant Alternative

A look at dental bridges and how an implant may offer a more sustainable alternative.

A dental bridge is so called because it ‘bridges’ the gap between teeth and, in place of the gap, inserts a false tooth which is held in place by being attached to the teeth on either side of the gap via dental crowns.

This is all well and good, and certainly provides an aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement which is more stable than a partial denture, but are there even ‘better’ options available?

Healthy teeth

We are extremely keen to promote good oral care and to preserve your natural teeth as much as possible. Of course, we are also able, at our Derby dental implant practice, to offer solutions when problems arise, but naturally we prefer to avoid these problems in the first place if at all possible.

This presents the first consideration when it comes to dental bridges.

In order to attach the bridge, it is necessary to prepare the teeth either side so that the crowns which hold the replacement tooth in place, can be fitted. Unfortunately, this means that we have to remove a significant portion of these teeth which are otherwise healthy. Whilst the newly fitted crowns will protect the teeth adjacent to the gap, the process can be considered to be quite invasive.

It should be said too, that whilst dental bridges do offer stability, they also need special care and cleaning to ensure that the gums in the immediate area remain healthy and disease free.

Alternatives

We have already mentioned partial dentures and these are still widely used, but, with advances in dental care, many people are now turning away from dentures and bridges in favour of dental implants.

By having an implant placement at the Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre, you are setting yourself up for many long term benefits. Whilst there are a few inconveniences at the start of the treatment, such as having to eat softer foods for a short while, these are short-lived and you will soon start to realise the rewards of a natural looking, strong and trouble-free tooth replacement.

As the implant becomes firmly embedded in the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, a crown can be attached with no need from extra support from adjoining teeth; quite unlike the process needed with a dental bridge.

This means that we can leave these healthy teeth alone and focus solely on the replacement tooth, which, given good care, should last the patient for around twenty years and very often more.

To find out more about this modern tooth replacement method, please call our team to arrange a consultation at our Derby dental implant centre on 01332 550933.

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