Following tooth loss, it’s vital that the affected area of the mouth be treated in order to restore mouth function and prevent future damage. This process involves some manner of replacement at the site of the missing tooth/teeth.
The most popular tooth replacement solutions are, generally speaking, dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered a highly effective tooth replacement solution.
Compared to other options, implants offer the advantages of durability (with proper care, they can last a lifetime) and, thanks to the fact that an implant replaces the tooth’s root in the jawbone, look, feel, and function closest to those of natural teeth.
There are a few drawbacks to dental implants. For one, the implant process is invasive and requires multiple appointments. Secondly, the cost of implants tends to be higher than those of other tooth replacement solutions. Finally, in order to be a good candidate for implants, a patient must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have healthy gums (people with gum disease can’t have dental implants)
- Have a jawbone strong enough to support an implant
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
Bridges, meanwhile, are another popular tooth replacement option with pros and cons of their own.
One advantage is that bridges, as they’re anchored to adjacent teeth, don’t need to be removed for cleaning, like dentures. Additionally, this anchoring provides support for the jawbone and prevents shifting among the remaining natural teeth. Also, bridges are widely considered a better option than dentures for restoring a patient’s chewing and speaking abilities. Finally, bridges offer these benefits, generally, at a lower cost than dental implants.
Dental bridges also have drawbacks to consider. First, bridges are not suitable for everyone, as they require healthy adjacent teeth as anchor points, which must be filed down in order to provide support for a bridge, increasing the risk of future damage. Also, bridges have a shorter lifespan than implants and may need to be replaced after 5-15 years.
Tooth Replacement in Mirrabooka
Note that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
If you’re in the Mirrabooka/Perth area and would like to learn more about available the relative merits of dental implants and dental bridges, dentist Dr Peter Duke and the team at Western Smiles Dental are available for a consultation.