Made To Last: Benefits Of Dental Implants in Temecula
A smile can light up a room. It is one of the first things that you notice when you meet someone new. This is why it is so important to take care of your smile and choose the best option if you need dental work completed few options exist to replace damaged and missing teeth. Most dentists in Temecula will suggest either a dental bridge or dental implants to replace damaged or missing teeth. There are pros and cons for each, but you will find that the benefits of implants outweigh those of bridges by far.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic that is fixed to the remaining natural teeth. A false tooth is attached to the bridge to cover the space left by the missing tooth. The space is filled and a gap is no longer visible. The false tooth can be made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
Types of Bridges
A traditional bridge involves creating a crown for the supporting tooth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (false tooth) in between. This is the most common type of bridge. Another type of bridge is a cantilever bridge. These are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. This is not common and is not usually recommended because it can put too much pressure on other teeth and damage them.
Pros and Cons of Bridges
Dental bridges have some initial positives. They do provide a solution for missing teeth by filling the gap left after a tooth has been lost. And at first glance, a bridge may seem like an economical option as the cost for the procedure itself is fairly affordable. Unfortunately, the problems that arise with the teeth surrounding the bridge can be definite negatives. The teeth holding up the bridge have to be filed and become prone to plaque build-up, decay, disease, and possibly the need for future root canals. The failure of one supporting tooth usually requires the need for a whole new bridge. Bridges generally last 5-10 years.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth used to replace a missing tooth. A patient with fairly healthy gums and bones would be a good candidate for this procedure if they need tooth replacement. It is a surgical procedure and involves several visits to complete the process. Dr. Antonio Reza can assist you in getting dental implants in Temecula.
Implant Procedures
The first step in the process is when a titanium anchor is placed in the original tooth’s bone pocket. A strong foundation secures the false tooth and provides a replacement root. After the titanium is in place, the bone around it bonds with it and helps prevent future bone loss. The implant is then capped with a crown which is made to look like a real tooth with the correct coloring and shape to match the rest of the surrounding teeth. The process does not involve preparing nor altering adjacent teeth as in a dental bridge.
Pros and Cons of Implants
There are many advantages to dental implants. The pros include:
- Improved appearance- they look and feel like natural teeth
- Easier time eating- function like natural teeth making chewing easier
- Improved speech- Dentures or poorly done dental work can hinder speech
- Comfort- feel like your own teeth
- Overall oral health- no need to damage surrounding teeth
- Boosts confidence- give you your smile back!
- Convenience- no adhesives or pieces to worry about
- Made to last- durable and meant to last a lifetime
With proper care, dental implants should last you a lifetime and have an extremely high success rate. Dr. Antonio Reza can assist you in getting dental implants in Temecula. Although some insurance will not cover all costs related to treatment, dental implants in Temecula are more cost-effective due to the low risk of replacement or surrounding tooth issues and is the better treatment option in the long run.