Missing a Tooth? What to Know About Dental Bridges and Implants

It’s important to fill the gap when you’re missing a tooth. Installing a prosthetic tooth can make talking and eating easier. A prosthetic tooth can also restore your smile and prevent your other teeth from shifting to fill the hole where the tooth used to be.

Yourdentist in St. Paul, MN, may present you with multiple options, including a dental bridge or a dental implant. Here’s what you need to know about both options to make an informed decision.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that uses dental crowns attached to the adjacent teeth to stay in place. The bridge sits on top of the gums, but it looks like a natural tooth. To install a dental bridge, your dentist will need the teeth on either side of the hole to be healthy and strong. Your dentist will let you know if a dental bridge is an option for you.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that is implanted into the jaw bone, similar to a real tooth. To install a dental implant, the dentist must determine that you have sufficient jaw bone to keep the tooth in place. If you don’t have sufficient jaw bone, your dentist can use a bone graft to build up the jaw. However, this is an additional procedure.

Which One Should I Get?

Your dentist will help you decide which type of prosthetic tooth – dental implants or dental bridges – is best. If you have questions about dental bridges anddental implants in St. Paul, MN, talk to your dentist to learn more about your options and make an informed decision.