If you have a missing tooth just doesn’t feel right. It is uncomfortable, making it difficult to chew and perhaps worst of all, hold you back from smiling. It’s important to replace that tooth. Not only is it an esthetic problem, it can lead to bone loss, changes in facial structure and drifting of the adjacent teeth. You have a choice in tooth replacement: crown and bridge or dental implant. You’re probably very familiar with the bridge, but you may not know everything it entails. A dental implant is a strong alternative. It is the option that most closely resembles a natural tooth. With all the facts, you can make the most informed decision about crown and bridge versus dental implant. Remember, this is a choice that will affect you every day. So choose what feels right for you.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Bone preservation:Because the implant replaces the tooth root, it transmits chewing forces to the jaw, helping maintain the bone.

Natural look and feel:Besides looking natural, implants feel natural, so you can eat without worries.

Unaffected Adjacent Teeth:Unlike bridges, implants do not require the grinding down of neighboring teeth, so your remaining dental structure stays natural.

Proven quality:Dental implants are built to exacting quality standards, based on decades of scientific research and study.

The first thing you notice about a dental implant is how closely it resembles your natural tooth. It replaces the entire missing tooth, including the root, without having to grind the adjacent teeth. Made of titanium or titanium zirconium, a dental implant is a replacement tooth root surgically inserted in the jaw. The implant and abutment work as a securable base for the final crown that will be your new tooth.A dental implant is more expensive than a bridge, but it is designed to be a permanent solution. Because the implant replaces the tooth root, implant therapy can help minimize bone loss. In addition, the surrounding teeth are not affected and the look and feel is natural.