It’s not easy trying to hide your smile from others. But that’s what you often feel like doing when you are missing a tooth. That gap-toothed smile can be embarrassing, nevermind unhealthy for you.
By calling our West Chester, PA dental office today at 610-314-7534, you can make an appointment for a dental restoration that replaces your lost tooth. Dr. Sykora has helped many people get their full smile back over the years, so he can help you replace that missing tooth with either a dental implant or a dental bridge.
Problems Caused By That Gap In Your Smile
Some people might think that missing a tooth is just a cosmetic issue. Unfortunately, that is untrue. Having a gap in your smile can lead to problems like these:
- Hurting the gums in the gap by chewing something hard.
- Having trouble pronouncing words clearly.
- Difficulty chewing certain foods.
- Lowering your self-esteem because your smile doesn’t look right.
- Other teeth getting crooked with that lost tooth’s support.
That’s why it’s important to call Dr. Sykora today and schedule an appointment to replace that missing tooth. The longer you wait, the bigger those problems can get.
Two Ways To Replace A Lost Tooth
When it comes to replacing a single lost tooth, there are two restorative dentistry treatments you can choose from.
DENTAL IMPLANTS: These start with an artificial root made from titanium. Dr. Sykora surgically implants this root in your jawbone. Then a durable but beautiful replacement tooth is connected to it.
DENTAL BRIDGES: By contrast, dental bridges do not require surgery. A dental crown is placed on each tooth next to the gap. Then the replacement tooth is bonded to them in your gap.
Comparing Dental Implants & Dental Bridges
Both dental implants and dental bridges do a great job of replacing lost teeth. You won’t go wrong by choosing either dental restoration, and your dental health might decide this for you. That said, here is how these two treatments compare so you have a better idea of which you would prefer.
DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE MORE DURABLE
When you get a replacement tooth put in your smile, you want it to last a long time. Sure, nothing lasts forever, but you don’t want to replace it anytime soon. Dental bridges normally last around 10 years before they need to be done again. But dental implants typically last for 20 or more years. That’s why dental implants are more durable.
DENTAL IMPLANTS KEEP YOU HEALTHIER
Your natural teeth have roots that go down into your jawbone. Whenever you chew, pressure travels down the roots and stimulate the bone tissue. This helps keep it healthy. So when you’ve lost a tooth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate.
Dental bridges do not include a root, but dental implants do. That keeps the pressure stimulating your jawbone and helping keep your bone healthy. If you want a dental restoration that can keep you healthier, then you want a dental implant.
DENTAL BRIDGES ARE MORE AFFORDABLE
While dental implants have their advantages, they do require oral surgery to implant the artificial root. That can make these dental restorations more expensive. But dental bridges hold that replacement tooth in place without any surgery. It’s bonded to those dental crowns instead. This means dental bridges are usually more affordable of the two.
BOTH ARE EASY TO MAINTAIN
When you get a dental restoration, you want to do what you can to keep it looking good. However, you also don’t want to do too much! Thankfully, both dental implants and dental bridges are about the same when it comes to maintaining them. You really just need to brush, floss, and visit our West Chester, PA dental office regularly.
Call us TODAY at 610-314-7534 or use our convenient online form to schedule your appointment for restorative dentistry. Whether you get a dental implant or dental bridge, you are sure to get a complete smile and all the benefits that come with it.