To replace lost teeth, either a dental bridge or dental implants may be used. Our team of specialists at Dental Restorative Group will evaluate your individual case to recommend the right option for you. We offer various options to our patients in Belmont, Cambridge, and nearby communities in Massachusetts.
Crowns and Bridges
Fixed crowns and bridges provide similar advantages to dental implants for Belmont patients. They improve speaking and chewing function, and look more natural than dentures. Fixed crowns and bridges also stabilize neighboring teeth to keep them from shifting out of position, helping to maintain proper alignment of teeth, and preserving your bite. Caring for a fixed bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth, with no dentures to worry about.
Another advantage of the crowns and bridges option is that this procedure requires no surgery, while dental implants require surgical intervention to attach the implant to the jawbone. For this reason, a bridge with crowns takes less time to complete and require fewer dental visits.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are made of titanium and attach to the jawbone itself, while bridges consist of individual crowns supported by your own teeth. The biggest advantage of dental implants is that they protect neighboring teeth and bone, because implants put no strain on neighboring teeth.
A dental implant usually consists of a titanium screw that is attached directly to the jawbone. Titanium is used for this purpose because it has been proven to be compatible with the body. Gradually, over time, bone cells from your jaw begin to attach themselves directly to the metal in a process called osseointegration, as your body fully accepts the implant. Once the implant is securely integrated into your bone structure, a prosthetic tooth or crown will be mounted over the implant. This procedure is believed to be more beneficial for maintaining healthy bone tissue and maintaining the integrity of your dental structure and natural bite.
Implants may also be used to replace multiple teeth. When placing a bridge with crowns, healthy teeth are required to anchor and support the crowns and bridge. Whereas with implants, a variety of combinations may be possible. Implants may be used to replace a single tooth or an entire mouthful of teeth.
Which treatment is right for you?
At Dental Restorative Group, one of our specialized dentists will evaluate Belmont patients’ general health oral condition to determine whether they are good candidates for implants and oral surgery, since implants require a foundation of healthy bone to attach to. If you are deemed eligible for either procedure, the choice may come down to cost and personal preference. Typically, dental implants are costlier than crowns and bridges. Some types of dental insurance may cover a portion or all of the expenses associated with these procedures.
If you’d like to learn more about crowns, bridges and dental implants, and which option may be best for you, call us today at our Belmont office at (617) 489-1470.
