Discover how your Coral Springs dentist can easily restore your toothless smile.
While it might feel easier to ignore your tooth loss, it’s important that you seek treatment from your Coral Springs dentists Dr. Howard Listopad and Dr. Tammy Finder right away. Even though it might not seem like a dental emergency, tooth loss can cause other serious complications for your smile. Before it wreaks havoc on your oral health it’s time to do some research into your tooth replacement options.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed dental appliance that contains two dental crowns on either side and a pontic, or false tooth, in the middle. The two crowns of the bridge are cemented over healthy neighboring teeth to help fill the gap where your missing tooth used to be and to anchor the bridge into place. This means that natural teeth have to be shaved down in order to accommodate dental crowns. Here are some pros and cons to consider before deciding on a dental bridge:
Pros: Costs less than dental implants; faster treatment process and less invasive than getting implants; easy to care for (no special care is required); can last up to 10 to 15 years; not removable so you don’t have to worry about removing it to clean it.
Cons: Requires adjustments and replacing from your Coral Springs dentist; can take some time to adjust to, especially when eating and speaking; can be a challenge to clean properly.
Dental Implant
Dental implants are small metal posts that mimic a natural tooth’s roots. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with natural bone and tissue. Dental implants can be used to firmly hold a dental bridge, crown or dentures in place. Here are some pros and cons about getting dental implants:
Pros: Acts and functions just like a real tooth; is durable and resilient; promotes jaw health and stimulates the growth of new bone cells; preserves original facial structure; keep natural teeth from shifting out of place; is designed to last a lifetime.
Cons: Treatment process can take anywhere from several months to a year or more to complete; patients must have good general and oral health; requires a healthy jawbone; several surgical procedures are needed to get implants.
Don’t let tooth loss cause more serious issues for your smile. Turn to your Coral Springs dentist for help. Listopad & Finder are here to give you a confident, new smile. We can help you find the right treatment plan to fit your needs.