Many patients visit our Annapolis dentist office looking to learn more about their tooth replacement options. We help patients who have suffered from tooth loss restore their smiles using our many restorative dentistry solutions. Two common tooth replacement options that we utilize to replace missing teeth are dental bridges and dental implants. While both of these options can help you restore your smile, there are some differences between the two options. Learn more below.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. The most common type of dental bridge recommended and placed today is a fixed bridge, anchored by your existing remaining teeth. Dr. Sheen will prepare the two teeth that will anchor the bridge and take dental impressions to be sent to our dental lab which will be used to fabricate your custom bridge hardware. Because the bridge hardware is attached to your existing teeth, there is no need for a surgical procedure, making this a minimally invasive approach to tooth replacement. However, patients will need to be mindful of their bridge hardware on a daily basis and avoid eating foods that are likely to damage their dental restoration.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the premier tooth replacement option. Unlike dental bridges, which rely on your surrounding teeth to hold a prosthetic tooth in place, dental implants do not put any additional strain on your remaining teeth. Instead, dental implants involve a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is inserted into your soft tissues and allowed to fuse together with your jawbone. Once healed, this post will supply your dental restoration with tooth-root functionality. An abutment and a dental crown will be placed over the post to cosmetically replace the missing tooth. While this procedure is more invasive than a dental bridge procedure, it provides long-term results that you will not get with other restorative dentistry solutions. Patients enjoy dental implants because they do not require additional oral hygiene precautions or dietary restrictions.
Learn More About Replacing Missing Teeth in Annapolis, MD
Vernon Sheen, DMD has been serving patients in the Annapolis area for over 20 years. From comprehensive preventive care to advanced restorative treatments that address tooth damage or loss, our Annapolis dentist office is your dental home for the long-term maintenance of a healthy, comfortable smile. Schedule an appointment to learn more about your tooth replacement options today.