If you’re in need of restorative dental work due to extreme tooth decay or broken and missing teeth then you may need to consider which type of restorative dental option is best. You may want to think about a bridge, or alternatively you may decide to opt for a dental implant. In Richmond and in many other parts of the UK, this is now becoming the preferred method of choice. So how do you make the choice? Before we take a look at the factors you might want to consider let’s take a look at the two procedures in greater detail.
A bridge
As the name suggests a bridge takes care of the problem of missing teeth by filling the gap where the missing or broken tooth used to be with a prosthetic tooth. The two teeth immediately surrounding the gap are ground down and a crown is placed over both teeth and then a further crown is placed in the gap therefore ‘bridging’ the problem. Although being permanently secured, they aren’t a permanent solution to the problem.
A dental Implant
A dental implant on the other hand is a permanent solution. This time a small screw-like titanium rod is anchored into the jaw bone in the gap of the teeth. Once this has become secured, the bone grows back over the implant over time. Once firmly in place, an abutment is attached to the implant itself, upon which is attached a prosthetic tooth. If cared for correctly there is no reason why a dental implant shouldn’t last a life time.
So now you have a better understanding of how each process works, you need to decide which is right for you and more importantly the factors you need to consider.
Feel and aesthetics
Although a bridge may look like a natural tooth you have to bear in mind that it may take some getting used to as all three teeth are secured to each other and will function as one unit. Whereas with an implant, once it heals there should be no difference between how it feels and looks compared to your natural teeth.
Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance routines are decidedly different for both sets of procedures. For instance when it comes to dental implants in Richmond, a skilled implant specialist such as Sheen Dental will tell you that there should be no difference in the method of cleaning an implant to that of your normal teeth. They still need to be brushed, flossed and cared for as you would normally. A bridge on the other hand requires meticulous cleaning and high standards of oral hygiene to prevent a build-up of bacteria underneath the bridge itself. Failure to do this can result in severe gum disease and a loss of bone.
Cost
There’s no getting away from the fact that dental implants are expensive. On average the cost falls somewhere between £800 and £2000 per tooth. On the contrary crowns are around one third cheaper. However, implants can work out as a cost effective solution as they should never require replacement. Whereas a bridge may need replacing in 10-15 years.
If you’re still undecided then it’s always best to check with your dentist. Here at Sheen Dental we are your number one specialist for dental implants in Richmond. So call us on 020 8876 5277 and arrange a meeting with Dr Harmit Kalsi and his experienced team. Alternatively visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk