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The majority of our patients suffering from tooth loss only need a single tooth replaced. At our practice, Dr. Grubb offers dental implants and bridges to replace your tooth and restore your smile. Learn about the differences between these tooth replacement solutions.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have been used for thousands of years, but they remain a popular restoration solution to this day. A dental bridge is a set of porcelain crowns that have been fused together. Typically, the bridge is made up of three crowns with the middle one replacing your missing tooth. The other two crowns fit over the surrounding teeth and support the middle one.
What to Consider
The primary advantage of dental bridges is their affordability. They’re often at least partially covered by insurance, minimizing the cost for you. Dental bridges can also be provided relatively fast, with the process usually only taking two visits to our office.
However, dental bridges come with some disadvantages. Before your bridge is placed, the surrounding teeth will have to be filed down, removing some of the enamel. This effect is irreversible and can put you at higher risk for tooth decay.
Generally, dental bridges need to be replaced every seven to ten years. Though they are affordable, the cost can add up over time. In addition, some patients have trouble chewing certain foods with their dental bridges and find them inconvenient to clean.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered by many dentists to be the best replacement for missing teeth. They’re the only restoration solution that protects your health in addition to enhancing your smile. Dental implants are titanium posts that fuse directly with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once the fusion is complete, they’re topped with porcelain crowns that look and function like your natural teeth.
What to Consider
Dental implants offer a variety of benefits that other tooth replacements can’t. Most importantly, the osseointegration process will maintain the health of your jawbone and surrounding teeth by preventing bone loss. This is not the case with removable options like dentures, which can lead to your face developing a wrinkled and sunken appearance.
Dental implants also allow you to speak and eat comfortably without any fear of them slipping out of place. To make life even more convenient for you, they’re never removed and don’t require any special cleaning products.
There are virtually no disadvantages to dental implants. Though the process takes longer than dental bridges, the results are more than worth it. And although dental implants may seem more expensive in the short term, they will actually end up saving you money because they can last a lifetime with proper care.
What is osseointegration?
Osseointegration is the step in the dental implant process in which an artificial implant is permanently and surgically anchored into the jaw bone. It then fuses with the bone to create a secure, durable bond that can last a lifetime. Without osseointegration, the dental implant would not heal successfully for long-lasting results.
Find the Right Option for You
Whether you’re still struggling to decide or you already feel confident in your tooth replacement choice, the first step is to visit Dr. Grubb for a consultation. During this visit, he’ll listen to your goals and help you determine the best treatment for your smile. Contact our office today and get started on your new smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental implants safe?
How long do dental bridges last?
How much does a dental bridge cost?
What do I do in the event of a complication with my restoration?
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are a very safe tooth replacement option, especially in terms of your long-term health as they’re the only restoration that improves your jawbone density. Choosing an experienced dentist such as Dr. Grubb will better ensure your procedure is performed to the highest standards and is completely safe.
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last seven to ten years or longer. Scheduling bi-annual cleanings and checkups at our Havre de Grace office, in addition to following a regular oral hygiene routine, will help maximize your bridge’s longevity.
There will be natural wear and tear on your bridges. During your regular visits, we’ll perform a professional cleaning, examine your oral health, and assess the integrity of your dental bridge. If necessary, we’ll make adjustments to ensure your comfort.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge is based on your specific needs and unique details of your procedure. Insurance will usually cover a portion of the expenses, however, we always recommend checking with your provider for specific details on your coverage.
For the most accurate price estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Grubb. During your consultation, he’ll examine your oral health and create a customized treatment plan that will include a breakdown of the cost.
Here at Family Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry, we’re proud to offer flexible financing options as well.
What do I do in the event of a complication with my restoration?
Complications from dental implant procedures are extremely rare, however, if you experience anything unusual during your recovery, call our Havre de Grace office immediately at (410) 939-5800 and we’ll inspect the issues and restore your smile.
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