Understanding Root Canal Procedures

Dental Implants, Bridges And Partials! Oh My!

16 December 2015

Diane Mason

If you have a missing tooth, you may have some different options you can choose from in order to get it replaced. However, you should go over the pros and cons of these options before coming to a conclusion about which one you feel is your best bet. A few options for tooth replacement include partial dentures, dental bridges and dental implants. The information here will be helpful in giving you a clear understanding of what each can offer you.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are fairly easy to have put in. You will go to the dentist to have an impression taken of your mouth so the lab can make dentures that fit correctly. When they are ready, you will come in for a fitting. They may need an adjustment or two, which the dentist may or may not be able to take care of on the spot.

The dentures will give you a tooth replacement that won't require you having a lot of work done and they tend to be less costly. However, they do require more maintenance since you have to take them out to clean them properly and when you are going to sleep. They also require you to get used to eating and talking in them.

Dental bridges

A dental bridge can be a good option, but there are some criteria you need to meet to be a good candidate for them. A bridge will replace one or more teeth that you have missing, but you also need to have other teeth near those spots that are healthy enough to provide enough support for the bridge.

The bridge will have crowns, this is what goes on your still-existent teeth and supports the rest of the bridge. Then, it will also have the prosthetic teeth that are designed and colored to look just as natural teeth would.

 Dental implants

Dental implants are a great choice because they are permanent and don't rely on other nearby teeth. However, they do depend on you having a healthy enough jawbone for them to be implanted. They also require you to go through a few fairly invasive procedures to get them.

You will need to have the implant fused to your bone, an attachment put through your gum and then the crown put in place. There will be healing periods between each of these procedures, so getting the implants can take a while.

Choosing the best replacement will depend on such things as the health of the rest of your mouth, your personal comfort zone and your budget.

Share

Search