Even though nearly half of adults aged 20-64 in the United States have lost at least one tooth, you’re probably shocked when it happens to you. When you lose one or multiple teeth owing to an accident or extraction, you’re faced with a conundrum: How do you replace them?
If you’ve already decided that dentures aren’t for you, you have two choices to replace your missing tooth or teeth: dental bridge or dental implant. The best choice depends on your preferences and circumstances, including your budget.
At 2K Dental, our expert team of dentists is dedicated to providing comprehensive, pain-free oral care, including tooth replacement. If you’re faced with deciding between a bridge or an implant, following is some information that should help.
A dental implant is a false tooth that looks and functions as much like a natural tooth as is possible. Dental implants consist of three interlocking parts:
Each dental implant is individually crafted as a distinct tooth. Each artificial root, or post, is separately inserted into your gum and down into your jaw bone. Over the next weeks, the titanium post fuses to your jawbone, so that it’s held as securely as a real tooth.
If you don’t have healthy jaw bones, you may need to first undergo a bone-grafting procedure to make up for the deficit. The entire implant process may take several months to complete. You need that time because your mouth needs to heal completely between each step and your implants must be secure before you get your final crowns.
Dental implants aren’t just the most natural-looking choice, they’re also the most functional tooth replacement. The artificial root stresses your jawbone when you chew, which triggers the production of new bone cells. The stress from dental implants (and your natural teeth) ensure that your jawbone doesn’t atrophy over time, as it would with dentures or a bridge.
Dental implants look great, but they must be implanted surgically. If you want to avoid surgery and go for a fast and easy tooth replacement, a dental bridge may be your best choice.
A dental bridge consists of a false tooth or series of false teeth that are set between two crowns. Before we place the dental bridge, we have to modify and grind down the teeth that sit on either end of the gap in your gums. These modified teeth are called “abutment teeth.”
The crowns on the dental bridge fit over your abutment teeth. The crowned abutment teeth hold your bridge securely in place. We custom-shape and color the crowns and false teeth to match your natural teeth, so nobody can tell that you were once missing teeth.
If you have dental insurance, you may be able to use it to pay for your bridge. Many insurance companies cover the cost of functional tooth replacements, such as dentures and bridges. However, they usually regard dental implant surgery as a cosmetic procedure and don’t reimburse for it.
If you need help determining if your dental insurance can help pay for your tooth replacement, just let our staff know. We can also arrange payment plans so that you get the tooth replacement of your choice.
As for the cost of bridges and implants without insurance, the initial cost of dental implants is higher, especially if you have to replace several teeth. However, dental implants usually last longer than bridges. They may be less expensive over the long term.
If you have a tight budget, we can help you decide which system is most cost-effective for you. We also discuss payment plans that may be available.
Are you ready to replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge or dental implant? Contact our friendly staff at our Parma, Akron, Cleveland, or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio office to schedule an appointment today.
