You will find our dentist in Southampton tries very hard to save natural teeth, with extraction always being the last possible option. If you do need to have a tooth out then it’s vital to think about how to replace it as soon as possible. Even a single missing tooth can have a detrimental effect on your dental health, allowing the rest of your natural teeth to drift out of position and into the empty gap which has a destabilising effect, while the opposing teeth will begin drifting towards the empty space, affecting your bite. There are two main options that you can consider which are to have a dental bridge or to choose a dental implant, but which can be best and why?
Why You Might Want to Consider Having a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can be a great option if the teeth either side of your missing tooth could benefit from being crowned. In order to fabricate your dental bridge, our dentist in Southampton will need to grind down these adjacent teeth which will then be covered up with crowns that are attached to the replacement tooth called a pontic. It is relatively quick to have a bridge custom-made and the final results can look wonderful.
When Is a Dental Bridge Not Such a Good Idea?
If the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are strong, healthy and look pretty good then it can be pointless having to grind them down just so they can be covered up with dental crowns. We hate removing any healthy tooth structure and over time dental crowns can begin to leak as they become older, increasing the risk of infection and decay in the tooth underneath. Additionally, these support teeth will need to be pretty strong as they will come under increased strain as you bite down on the replacement tooth or pontic.
Why You Might Want to Consider Having a Dental Implant
Dental implants are well worth considering, particularly when replacing a single tooth. As they are self-supporting, there is no need for our Southampton dentist to make any type of changes to your existing teeth. An implant post replaces a natural tooth root, providing a similar level of stimulation and helping to ensure your jawbone remain strong and healthy. Dental implants protect your existing natural teeth by helping to share the load created whenever you bite or chew and they make sure your natural teeth stay in the correct positions. Although a dental implant can be a little more expensive initially, in the longer term it can save you money when the time comes to replace the restoration, as you will only need to renew a single implant crown rather than a bridge affecting three teeth.
Who Can Have Dental Implants?
Just about anyone in reasonable health can have dental implants, but this treatment may not be the best option for everyone. We can tell you for sure when you visit Smilemakers. Contact us to find out more on 02380 442626. You will also find lots of information on our website at www.smilemakers.co.uk and if you prefer, you can request a call back.
