Which Tooth Replacement Option is Best for You?
No matter how tough your teeth might seem to be, there’s no guarantee that they’ll always be there. Gum disease, injury, and decay can all take their toll, which is why tooth loss is such a common phenomenon. The good news is that there are tooth replacement options available to you if you’ve lost a tooth. You just need to decide which of those options will work best for you. Here’s a basic overview of the best replacement options modern dental science offers.
Dentures
Dentures are one of the most well-known tooth replacement options, and have provided millions of people around the world with a reasonably affordable solution for their tooth loss problems. They are removable, come in full or partial form, and cost less than dental bridges or implants. They are also considered a low-maintenance option when compared to the dental bridge. On the downside, they are vulnerable to being lost or damaged, and that can lead to higher costs over time.
Dental Bridges
The fixed bridge is a middle-range cost option for tooth replacement, and involves a bridge made up of manufactured teeth that are designed to occupy the empty space where a tooth or teeth used to be. Bridges can have a longer life expectancy than most dentures, and typically have a more natural looking appearance than traditional dentures. For most patients, the adjustment period is smoother than dentures as well.
Bridges do have some drawbacks, though. In addition to the extra cost, there is also added maintenance to ensure that no additional decay or damage occurs. The teeth that are used to anchor the bridge must be monitored regularly to identify any potential problems before they become major concerns. Finally, patients need to avoid certain types of food to minimize the potential for damaging the bridge structure.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have become one of the most popular tooth replacement options – and with good reason! Implants are durable, and can endure for life when they are properly maintained. They are also the most lifelike option, providing a well-fitting tooth replacement that is all but indistinguishable from the natural teeth that surround them. In addition, they fuse with your jawbone, which means that they’re less likely to create bone loss.
They are the most expensive option, however, and they are not always suitable for every patient. Patients need to have healthy bone structures to anchor an implant. And then there’s the issue of healing time. Since dental implants are inserted into the bone of the jaw, the patient will have to endure a longer period of healing before enjoying full recovery.
In the end, the choice is one that you should make in consultation with your dental professional. At Ebenezer Dental, we can help you to determine which tooth replacement option is the best choice for you, and then provide the type of quality tooth replacement that residents of the area have come to expect from the best dentist in midtown Manhattan. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!