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When it comes down to replacing missing teeth, fortunately, people living in Canada have numerous options to choose from, such as dental implants, dentures, and bridges.
Each option apparently has some advantages and disadvantages, and eventually, it depends on the needs of the person, preferences, and oral health conditions. A dentist Burlington, Ontario, can assess the condition and recommend the best option that fits the criteria and needs.
In this very blog, we are going to have a closer look at the pros and cons of dental implants compared to the likes of bridges and dentures, which will undoubtedly help people make an informed decision after proper consideration.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are widely considered a gold standard in the entire tooth replacement scenario. Implants have titanium posts that are put inside the jawbone surgically and act as artificial roots of the tooth. Then, a crown is attached to the post, imitating the look and functionality of a natural tooth.
Advantages
Dental implants are not a gold standard for no reason and have a plethora of advantages. Some such pros include:
Longevity and Durability
Dental implants are more of a long-term solution and last a lifetime if proper care is given.
Have a Natural Look and Feel to it.
Implants are known to closely imitate the look and functioning of natural teeth, which essentially hints towards superior aesthetics and comfort.
Maintain Bone Health
Implants actually stimulate the jawbone, which maintains facial structure and prevents bone loss.
No Hindrance in Oral Hygiene
Implants can be cleaned like natural teeth and do not need any particular cleaning solutions or special adhesives.
Disadvantages
The cons of dental implants are more on the subjective side and include:
The Cost is Relatively High
The cost of dental implants is on the higher side when compared to the alternatives, and not every insurance plan covers the procedure.
The Procedure is a Surgical
The process of implantation involves surgery, which opens the door for infections and takes a longer time to heal.
The Process Takes Time
The entire process takes time, which is about several months, right from the implantation to placement.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are essentially fixed prosthetics that are utilized to fill the gaps created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored to the neighboring implants or natural teeth.
Advantages
The advantages of dental bridges include:
Cost-Effective Option
Dental bridges cost relatively less than their counterpart, dental implants, which makes bridges an affordable option for a lot of patients.
The Process is Less Invasive
The procedure that the patient has to go through is less invasive compared to implants and does not need any surgery.
Entire Procedure is Quick
The entire process of getting dental bridges is pretty fast and often gets completed in merely a few weeks.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of dental bridges include:
Longevity is Relatively Less
The lifespan of dental bridges is somewhere between 5 to 15 years, depending on numerous factors, and it is relatively less than that of dental implants.
Impact on Adjacent Teeth
The anchoring process can put stress on the adjacent teeth and potentially result in dental problems in the future.
Probability of Bone Loss
Bridges do not stimulate the jawbone that implants do, which can result in bone loss as time passes.
A Brief Overview of Dentures
Dentures can be removed and utilized to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures: partial dentures and complete dentures.
The advantages of dentures are that they are affordable, the process is non-invasive, and they can be remade or adjusted as needed.
The disadvantages are that dentures can be uncomfortable sometimes, need unique solutions and adhesives, and do not restore the full functionality of natural teeth.
Importance of a Dentist!
A dentist is needed to execute the entire process no matter which option a person chooses to go with. Get in contact with a dentist to know more about each procedure.
