Why should I get dental implants instead of a bridge?

If you’ve lost a tooth in the midst of this global pandemic, we want you to know that we are here for you. COVID-19 has us in a rapidly evolving situation, and information is changing frequently, but as of Friday, March 20, our governor, Ron DeSantis, signed the executive order that mandated we only see patients with pain and infection or those who maybe at risk of developing a serious condition if not treated. The expiration of this Florida Executive Order 20-72 is May 8^th unless something different is directed by the State.

With that in mind, we want to remind you that these circumstances are temporary. They will pass, and as soon as they do, we will be ready to treat your missing tooth.

Dental implants and bridges are two of the most common tooth replacement methods chosen by patients today. What makes a dental implant a better choice for many patients? As we wait for the Florida mandate to be lifted, please consider the top 3 benefits that dental implants provide.

What’s the difference between a dental implant and a bridge?

When a person loses a tooth, which includes bone, ligaments, and nerves, the supporting areas begin to deteriorate. That missing structure can be replaced by an implant—a screw made of titanium—that integrates with the jawbone. Once fused to bone, a crown is attached to the implant. A bridge, on the other hand, attaches to the teeth around the gap after they’ve been cut or shaved down and prepared. It secures in place the artificial tooth by attaching to the adjacent teeth.

Implants promote jaw healing and health.

The greatest advantage of dental implants is that they promote healing of the bone structure and gums under the teeth. Your jawbone is much like a muscle and must be regularly stimulated in order to maintain volume.  Thankfully, dental implants can take the place of natural teeth to provide the stimulus needed by the jaw. And if done early, this greatly reduces the need for bone grafting that would be caused by degeneration.

Conversely, rather than supporting the neighboring teeth, bridges put undue strain on them once they’ve been cut and prepped for the new attachment. Bridges depend on the adjacent natural teeth for support so it places more of a burden on them.

Implants require little maintenance.

Dental implants are the most natural-looking tooth replacement available, and they require the same kind of care as natural teeth—flossing and brushing. Bridges require some extra flossing underneath and around your bridge to keep plaque from building up and food from getting trapped. If not cleaned properly, gingivitis can develop. If you’re looking for a low maintenance option, implants are a better option for you!

Implants should last a lifetime.

The technology of dental implants has become so advanced in recent years that implant failure has become a thing of the past. In the majority of cases, implants should be expected to last a lifetime. Despite the upfront expense of implants, their durability translates to no need for a replacement down the road. Bridges must be replaced every 8-12 years. In the long run, because of their longevity, implants pay for themselves.

Dental implants are an excellent teeth replacement option when compared to bridges. Truly 21^st century technology, they allow you to eat, speak, and smile with full confidence while providing structure, support and health for neighboring teeth. For more information regarding the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, call our Tampa, FL location today! 813-968-5400