Whether due to age, decay, or an accident, missing teeth can take a huge toll on your self-esteem. Plus, gaps in your smile make it difficult to eat and can increase your risk for further tooth loss. A dental bridge is the traditional option for replacing missing teeth. However, innovative implant-supported bridges offer unique advantages, including important benefits for your jawbone health.
When you come to Austin Laser Dentist for a restorative consultation, Dr. Helen Ragsdale will evaluate your jawbone and overall wellness. Then she will recommend an appropriate treatment. Whether you select a traditional or an implant-supported dental bridge, your restoration will harmonize beautifully with your teeth.
Contact us today to get started on the path to a restored smile.
What is a traditional dental bridge?
A traditional bridge can replace one to four missing teeth. On either end of a bridge, two crowns, known as abutment teeth, attach to your natural teeth. One or more replacement teeth, or pontics, fill in the gap in your smile.
To place a bridge, Dr. Ragsdale will need to reshape your natural teeth, making room for the abutment teeth to sit snugly and securely.
What is an implant-supported bridge?
An implant-supported bridge can replace two to four missing teeth. (If you are missing only one tooth, you may qualify for an implant-supported crown.) The restoration will sit atop several small titanium posts, which Dr. Ragsdale will surgically insert into your jawbone.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
Both traditional dental bridges and implant-supported bridges can restore your oral health and function. They can also improve your appearance and keep your other teeth from shifting out of position.
At the same time, an implant-supported dental bridge will provide additional benefits. These include:
- The implants will replace your dental roots, and they will perform the same regenerative function. By promoting the growth of new bone tissue, implants can prevent jawbone recession.
- If you receive an implant-supported bridge, your dentist will not need to reshape any of your healthy teeth.
- Implants typically last longer than a standard dental bridge. On average, a bridge has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, while implants can last 40 years or more.
Choosing the Right Treatment
The right tooth replacement option for you will depend on a number of factors. Considerations include:
- Your jawbone health: For implants to be successful, your jawbone must provide adequate support. If you have a receding jawbone, you may not qualify for implants. However, a bone graft can restore lost tissue and your candidacy for treatment.
- Your oral health: If you have severe gum disease, you may not qualify for implants. Periodontitis can cause your gums to pull away from the posts and increase the risk of implant failure.
- Your physical health: The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, may disqualify you from implants.
- Your budget: A traditional bridge will cost less than an implant-supported restoration. Nonetheless, you will likely need to replace a traditional bridge sooner and more frequently. Over time, implants could save you a significant amount of money.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Don’t let your missing teeth continue to compromise your appearance and quality of life. Contact Austin Laser Dental to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ragsdale. You can book an appointment online or call us at (512) 346-4690.
