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Dental Implants or a Dental Bridge? Which Is Best?

Losing a tooth is always upsetting, but luckily there are different options for replacing it, including a dental implant or a three unit fixed dental bridge. Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and both procedures are offered here at Leeds City Dentalcare.

Dental Implants at Leeds City Dentalcare

A dental implant functions a little like an artificial tooth root. Dr David Brown or another of our dentists will insert a titanium post into your jawbone during a small surgical procedure. After this it’s likely the implant will need several months to heal and integrate with the bone. This is a process called osseointegration whereby new bone cells will grow on and around the surface of the titanium post which has been specially treated to aid this process.

Advantages of Dental Implants

One of the advantages of choosing a dental implant is the fact that it does replicate a natural tooth root and can help preserve the bone in your jaw. It’s also a very good treatment as it doesn’t affect the teeth adjacent to the gap. This procedure can be long-lasting if cared for properly.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

The major disadvantage of having a dental implant is that the cost can be more expensive than having a dental bridge, even though in the longer term it may be more cost effective. A dental implant also requires more planning, and you’ll need to visit our Leeds surgery several times to complete the treatment. It can also be a longer procedure than having a dental bridge as the implant does require time to heal before a permanent tooth can be placed.

Fixed Bridges at Leeds City Dentalcare

A three unit fixed dental bridge involves having the teeth either side of the missing tooth ground down to make room for crowns. These crowns are then attached to a pontic which is a false tooth, and which replaces the missing tooth. A three unit bridge can be made out of several different materials, but the best results will be obtained through having an all ceramic bridge.

Advantages of Fixed Bridges

The advantage of having a fixed bridge is that it is treatment that can be completed in a relatively short space of time. It is less expensive than having a dental implant, and provides reasonably good aesthetic results.

Disadvantages of Fixed Bridges

The main disadvantage of having a fixed bridge is that it does require some material to be removed from the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Although the treatment is cheaper in the short term it lacks the longevity of dental implants. A fixed dental bridge will not do anything to help preserve the bone in the jaw.

Ultimately of course the choice is yours, but it’s something you can always discuss with any of our Leeds Dentist in our Leeds surgery. Dental implants are definitely a better long-term choice, but this treatment isn’t always suitable for everyone. Again this is something to discuss during your initial consultation with Dr David Brown or another of our dentists. We always recommend preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible, and the best way to do this is through having a dental implant that doesn’t have any impact on adjacent teeth.

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