Missing a Tooth? What to Know About Dental Implants and Bridges

When you’re missing a permanent tooth, it’s important to get it replaced. A missing permanent tooth can cause many problems, both cosmetic and in terms of your dental health.

Your dentist in Brooklyn, OH, can help you replace a missing permanent tooth with a dental implant or bridge, depending on your situation. Your dentist can evaluate your dental health to help you determine which one is best for you.

All About Dental Implants

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that is surgically installed in your jaw. Dental implants are installed in stages over several visits to the dentist. Once the dental implant is installed, it will look, feel, and function very similar to your natural teeth.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

You’re a good candidate for a dental implant if you have a healthy jaw and teeth. Dental implants require sufficient jaw volume to attach. If your jaw has deteriorated due to gum disease, your dentist may recommend bone grafting before a dental implant can be installed.

All About Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that uses dental crowns to attach to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges fill the space between two natural teeth. This is where they get their name.

Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?

You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if your teeth are healthy and strong. Your dentist will evaluate your dental health to tell if you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge.

Which One Is Right For You?

Deciding between a dental implant and a dental bridge can be tough. Both require you to return to the dentist’s office multiple times for installation. Both require you to have good oral health. For some patients, their choice comes down to their budget and other considerations.

If you’re interested in dental bridges or dental implants in Brooklyn, OH, we can help. We’ll walk you through the options and discuss the next steps. Call today to set up your first appointment.

What is a Dental Bridge Used For?

If you’ve been told that you may need adental bridge in Brooklyn, OH, you may wonder exactly what dental problems they are intended to solve. It’s a good question since dental bridges are used to treat several dental problems. You can expect your dental bridge solution to work well, since this device has now been used for decades all around the world.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a kind of dental prosthetic, rather than consisting of an entire arch of teeth like a denture, a dental bridge can be used to replace just one or a few missing teeth. It’s called a bridge because it spans the problem area, and is connected by either the abutting teeth or with dental implants. They are widely-used in dentistry, and popular for their realistic look, efficiency and other benefits. Here are some of the many ways in which dental bridges are used.

Restoration of Function

When a tooth is missing, there’s danger of bone degeneration and loss of tooth function. A person often loses their ability to bite or chew, which may impact their nutritional intake. Everyday activities like speaking and eating become problematic. A dental bridge restores all of these functions simply by its presence.

Maintaining Facial Structure

The teeth and jaw provide the underlying support that help give the face its shape. When there are missing teeth, the facial structure changes and may make the person appear to be older than their years. Dental bridges work to maintain that facial structure by becoming part of the underlying support.

Prevention of Misalignment

When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth can gradually shift into the empty space, leading to misalignment. This shift can result in a misaligned bite that can cause issues like jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. A dental bridge fills the gap, helping to ensure that teeth remain aligned and in position.

Better Appearance

A dental bridge is very natural-looking, and having one can make you look and feel better. No one will know you have missing teeth, so you can live your life with confidence.

If you are suffering from one or more missing teeth, the simplest solution may well be a dental bridge. Contact yourBrooklyn, OH dentist today to book an appointment and learn more about your options.