If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental bridges and implants are two of the best ways to replace them. Both options have different benefits. A dental bridge might be better if you want quick treatment. But treatment with dental implants in our New Orleans, LA, office could be the right choice if you want a long-term tooth replacement. Dr. Todd Canatella can help you decide which option works best for you.
Understanding the implications of missing teeth is critical when evaluating your options. Missing teeth can significantly impact your appearance, oral health, and self-confidence.
Dental bridges are a popular choice because they usually require less time. They function by using surrounding teeth as support to “bridge” a gap.
Dental implants provide a permanent, highly functional solution that behaves like a natural tooth. They involve a titanium post embedded in your jawbone. Over time, the post integrates with your bone structure for a stable and long-lasting fit.
Bridges and implants come with their own sets of pros and cons. Your focus should be on what suits your lifestyle, budget, and dental health priorities. Consultation with a skilled dental team in New Orleans can guide you toward the best choice for your unique circumstances.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges serve as an effective solution to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. They work by “bridging” the gap where teeth are missing, supported by neighboring teeth or implants. Understanding the different types of dental bridges can help you decide which option best fits your needs.
Traditional Bridges
These are the most popular types of bridges. They have fake teeth (called pontics) that attach to dental crowns on your natural teeth next to the gap. While they work well, the dentist has to remove some tooth enamel to put them on, which might weaken those teeth over time.
Implant Bridges
These use metal implants screwed into your jawbone instead of attaching to other teeth. They’re very strong and keep your jawbone healthy, but you’ll need surgery and more time to finish the treatment.
Exploring Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer a quicker solution for missing teeth compared to implants. Getting implants is a long process that can take many months from start to finish. With bridges, most people only need two or three trips to the dentist to complete the treatment. This faster option works well for patients who either don’t want surgery or can’t have implants for medical reasons.
But to put in a bridge, we need to prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing some enamel. This preparation helps the bridge stay in place, but it means those supporting teeth might become weaker over time.
Bridges don’t last forever. Unlike implants that can last decades, most bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years.
Taking care of bridges requires special attention. Because they sit above your gums, food particles and bacteria can collect underneath them. You’ll need to be extra careful with brushing and flossing to keep the area clean and prevent problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
Tooth bridges remain popular because they’re simpler to get than implants and provide immediate results. They can restore your smile quickly and help you chew and speak normally right away. Bridges might be the right option for you if you’re looking for a tooth replacement that doesn’t take months to complete. Just remember to discuss all the pros and cons with Dr. Canatella to make the best decision for your dental health.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern way to replace missing teeth. They offer durability, aesthetics, and functionality. An implant includes a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. We surgically place this post into the jawbone.
Over time, the bone fuses with the titanium in a process called osseointegration. Then, we attach a crown, bridge, or denture to the implant or implants.
Exploring Dental Implants
Consider these factors before you get implant treatment:
- Look and Feel: Implants are designed to look and work just like real teeth. They match your natural teeth so well that most people won’t notice the difference. Tooth implants also feel comfortable when you eat and talk.
- How Long They Last: With good care, implants can last your whole life. Bridges or dentures that might need replacing every few years. Implants are a one-time investment for most people.
- Keeping Your Jawbone Healthy: When you lose a tooth, your jawbone can start to shrink. Implants help prevent this by acting like natural tooth roots. Treatment can keep your jawbone strong and healthy.
- The Surgery Process: Getting implants requires minor surgery. Some people might feel nervous about this. After we place the implant, it takes a few months to heal completely before you get your final tooth replacement.
- Taking Care of Implants: While implants can’t get cavities, you still need to take good care of them. Brush and floss your restoration every day. Also, make regular dental check-ups to keep your gums healthy around the implant.
Choosing between dental implants and other options involves weighing these factors. Personal preference, budget, and oral health status play a role. Dr. Canatella will help you find the right choice.
Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants in New Orleans, LA
Each option offers unique benefits and challenges that cater to different needs and preferences.
Procedure Differences
Dental bridges give you a faster option that doesn’t need surgery. Most people only need to visit the dentist twice. You can get a bridge in a few weeks.
Dental implants require surgery to put a metal post in your jawbone. After that, you have to wait several months for the bone to heal around the post before you can get your new tooth. This longer process might not work for people who want their new teeth right away.
Durability
Dental implants are renowned for their longevity and durability. They boast a high success rate of around 97% over ten years, making them a reliable choice. Bridges typically last 5 to 10 years before needing replacement. This difference in lifespan can significantly impact the overall value and convenience of each option.
Maintenance
Both dental bridges and implants require diligent oral hygiene to ensure their longevity. Bridges may pose challenges in cleaning, as food particles can become trapped, leading to decay in surrounding teeth. Implants, while resistant to decay, need healthy gum tissue to prevent complications. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential for both options.
Your Dental Health
Your oral health plays a significant role in determining the best choice. You might be a good candidate for dental implants if you have healthy gums and sufficient bone density. But bridges might be more suitable if you have conditions that affect healing or bone health.
We welcome you to talk with Dr. Canatella to assess your unique situation and make an informed decision. Choosing between dental bridges and implants involves more than just comparing procedures. It’s about aligning the choice with your long-term oral health goals and lifestyle preferences.
Restore Your Missing Teeth
We know it can be hard to choose between bridges and dental implants in our New Orleans, LA, office. Dr. Canatella and our team are committed to helping you maintain your dental health and a confident smile.
If you’re in New Orleans and want to replace missing teeth, we invite you to schedule a consultation online. You can also call Canatella Dental today at 504-385-1092.