Tooth loss is something that most of us will have to endure at one time or another. It is not the most pleasant thing to experience but sometimes it is inevitable, whether it is because of tooth decay or trauma. Thankfully, dentistry has evolved drastically and there are currently different tooth replacement options that look and feel just like natural teeth. Deciding between dental bridges and dental implants can be challenging, especially when you don’t know all the differences between these two systems. In this article, you will find the pros and cons of each one so that you make the right decision when the time comes.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are also called dentures. These are a type of prosthesis that is made to fit perfectly inside your mouth. They can fill in the gap left by a missing tooth, or they can replace your entire smile. It all depends on how many teeth you have left, as they are designed accordingly.
Dentures are comprised of an acrylic base and plastic or porcelain teeth. The acrylic base is normally gum-coloured to mimic your gums. This way, a more natural look is achieved and you can flaunt your smile without fear of people noticing that those are not your real teeth. If you decide to have this type of tooth replacement, you can visit a dental clinic in NW Calgary where a dentist will examine your natural teeth and take an impression of them to craft the denture. Once the dentures are ready, you will be able to wear them right away and start living life to the fullest!
What are dental implants?
Dental implants near you, are a more complicated type of tooth replacement. The main difference between these and dentures is that they are not removable. Once they are inserted, they will stay in their positions just like normal teeth would. A dental implant is an artificial titanium screw that is inserted into your gums and blends into your jawbone. It replaces the roots of your missing tooth. This allows your dentist to use a dental crown that is attached to the body of the implant by a structure called an abutment.
You can acquire dental implants near you even if you have only lost a single tooth because each implant is inserted on its own and has no relationship with the rest of your teeth. People with dental implants can live a normal life without having to dedicate much time to the maintenance of their implants in NW Calgary.
Which one is better for your jawbone?
Whenever you lose a tooth, there is an immediate reaction from the tissues that surrounded it. They start to shrink. This affects the gums and also the jawbone. Normally, the pressure exerted by your teeth on the jawbone promotes bone growth, so when this pressure disappears, your jawbone starts to lose bone and degenerate. This is an important aspect to consider when deciding what type of tooth replacement, you will choose.
By acquiring dental implants in NW Calgary, the roots of your teeth will be replaced and these will put pressure on your jawbone, promoting bone growth. On the contrary, dental bridges don’t provide any stimulation to the jawbone and don’t prevent its degeneration. Even though it’s faster to acquire them, they are less expensive and incredibly practical, they don’t provide all the benefits that dental implants do. However, like with any other procedure, every case is different and only a dentist near you can provide you with professional advice regarding this issue. To some patients, dentures may be the best option considering that dental implants in NW Calgary can be somewhat invasive.