Tooth decay is common. It is estimated that 69% of adults aged 35 to 44 have lost at least one tooth. By age 74, about a quarter of Americans have lost all their adult teeth.
When you lose a tooth, getting a good replacement is key to getting the rest of your teeth in line. Replacement teeth can also help you maintain the shape of your face and prevent you from eating or speaking with difficulty. Two of the most common options are dental bridges and implants.
Dental implants are false teeth that hold the teeth next to your missing teeth. They are usually made from materials such as porcelain or plastic to match the color of your teeth. They can cover one or more missing teeth.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root usually made of titanium. Screws are inserted into your jawbone to hold a crown or bridge.
Dental implant vs. bridge
Dental implants and bridges can and do provide good results, but they come with their own pros and cons. Here’s a look at how these two equity conversion options compare.
Dental bridge pros
- usually covered by insurance
- no bone grafting or invasive surgery
- lower upfront cost than dental implants
- usually requires only two visits to your dentist
Dental bridge cons
- must be replaced frequently
- loss of a natural-looking appearance
- cavities and tooth decay in surrounding teeth
- can damage the healthy teeth around the missing tooth
Dental implant pros
- are the longest-lasting option on the market
- keeps a natural-looking appearance
- doesn’t affect the healthy teeth around it
- very high long-term success rate
Dental implant cons
- not likely to be covered by insurance
- the procedure can take up to 6 mos.
- high upfront cost
- can possibly lead to surgical complications
At Cary Family Dental in Cary, NC we offer dental implants. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Allan Acton today.
Contact Cary Family Dental to discuss dental implants:
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