If you’re missing a tooth either through disease or injury then in the past the preferred option would have been to use a bridge (where a replacement tooth is held in place by brackets placed over the adjacent teeth either side of the gap. Nowadays you’re in the fortunate position of also being able to consider an alternative solution which is a dental implant. In Richmond here at Sheen Dental we regularly use a single dental implant instead of a bridge and it does have several advantages.
One of the main advantages of a dental implant is that it is a stand alone treatment which does not need the support of adjacent teeth. When a bridge is fitted then in most cases the healthy teeth to either side of the gap where the missing tooth once was will need to be shaved down to accommodate the brackets which support the fixed bridge. This can weaken these teeth and have an adverse effect on your overall oral health.
Another benefit of a dental implant over a bridge is that it helps prevent the bone loss which naturally occurs when a tooth is missing. The titanium implant is secured into the gum and over a period of time acts like a tooth root, stimulating the surrounding tissue and bone, fusing and forming a strong bond on which to support a prosthetic crown. If you choose to wear a bridge then the gradual bone deterioration will continue.
A dental implant not only looks like a natural tooth but also feels and acts like one too. As a result it needs the same type of care which is daily brushing and flossing in order to retain good oral health. A fixed dental bridge, on the other hand, can be considerably harder to keep clean since the cement that is used to hold it in place may over time crumble or get washed away which means the bacteria can settle and grow on the anchor teeth which are holding the bridge in place.
Finally, a dental implant has a much better and long lasting aesthetic. Over time the gum line where your dental bridge is fixed will recede due to continuing bone loss and this has the result of the metal collar of the bridge becoming visible giving way. This unfortunately means that your winning smile is not quite as it was when your bridge was first fitted.
If you’d like to know more about dental implants in Richmond then we offer a free no-obligation consultation where we can answer your questions and discuss all your tooth replacement options, allowing you the chance to make a totally informed decision. Why not call us today on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk for more information.