Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dental Bridges

October 10, 2014

122421420A missing tooth can cause you to miss out on enjoying your life. It can affect your willingness to laugh and smile or eat the foods you love. To replace a missing tooth permanently, you have two basic choices, either a dental bridge or a dental implant. It’s important to get all of the facts before you make such a big decision as permanently replacing a missing tooth. A missing tooth should be replaced to protect your other teeth from moving, and to preserve your bone and jaw structures.The dentists at Dental Group West want to help you restore your smile in the least painful manner possible. Contact their Toledo office today to set up a Sedation Dentistry appointment to replace your missing tooth and restore your smile.

What are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a frame with two attached dental crowns and a replacement tooth (pontic) in the middle. The crowns are fitted over the adjacent teeth of the missing tooth. To fit the crowns, the adjacent teeth must be shaved down and the pontic is positioned in the gap over the gums. Besides adversely affecting the adjacent teeth, dental bridges do not replace the missing tooth root which could lead to misalignment among the surrounding teeth and in the jaw bone.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium rods that can be surgically inserted into the jaw to replace the root of the missing tooth. Once the rod is placed, a synthetic but realistic looking prosthetic tooth is attached. During the healing process the jawbone will grow around the implant, cementing it in place. The implant can completely replace the natural tooth in both form and function. Dental implants are more expensive than dental crowns, but are the more natural looking and feeling alternative.

Dental Group West Restorative Implants and Bridges in Toledo, Ohio

Whichever method of tooth replacement you choose, it’s important to go to a dentist that can not only perform the dental work needed, but employs a caring and comfortable approach. The dentists at Dental Group West can help you restore your smile using Sedation Dentistry techniques, which can eliminate the pain and anxiety of restorative procedures. Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole and Dr. Weisenburger proudly serve patients throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg and the surrounding communities.

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