If you are missing one or more teeth, then there’s nothing to debate—you need tooth replacement. What is debatable, however, is whether you should choose dental implants or a crown combined with a bridge prosthetic. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Dr. Earnest and his team at Comal Dental want to help you make the choice that is right for your oral health, your lifestyle and your budget. Read on to find out what the dentist in New Braunfels thinks of both tooth replacement options and how you can best decide between the two.
Dental Implants in New Braunfels
There are two portions to every tooth: the part above the gum line that’s visible is called the crown and the portion below the gum line is the root. But just because you can’t see the root of a tooth, doesn’t mean it isn’t equally as important as the crown. Because the root is anchored in your jawbone, it ensures the stability of the entire tooth. In addition, by giving the bone a job to do, a root stimulates a healthy jaw.
A dental implant is similar to a natural root. Whether you need one implant for a single tooth replacement or several implants to replace an entire arch of teeth, this small titanium post is surgically implanted and fuses to the bone to create a solid foundation for either a porcelain crown or an implant-retained denture or partial.
Crown and Bridge
Like dental implants, a bridge is a fixed prosthetic adhered to a crown. The difference is that this procedure secures healthy teeth on either side of missing teeth. For this type of tooth replacement, Dr. Earnest removes a small amount of enamel from these adjacent teeth in order to prepare them for crowns. These crowns, in turn, hold in place the false teeth that span the gap in your smile.
Dental Implants vs. Crown and Bridge
Dental implants do not affect adjacent teeth, but do require minor oral surgery. Conversely, crown and bridge therapy necessitates altering abutment teeth with the addition of crowns, but no surgery is necessary. Generally speaking, a bridge is less expensive than dental implants and require less time and planning. If cared for properly with regular oral hygiene and dental checkups, implants can last a lifetime while a bridge may require replacement.
Call Your Dentist in New Braunfels Today
We hope this is helpful as you decide between dental implants or a crown and bridge to replace your missing teeth. For more information about implant dentistry in New Braunfels, TX, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Earnest at Comal Dental, contact us today.