If you’ve lost teeth or had them removed, you don’t need to live with an incomplete smile. With the help and advice of a trusted dentist, you can decide on a tooth replacement that’s right for you. People looking to restore their smiles often Choose dental bridges or dental implants. Both offer their own set of benefits. Your family dentist will discuss the pros and cons of each with you, so you can choose the option that works best for your teeth.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge consists of three false teeth, with the two outside teeth holding the replacement tooth in place. The outside teeth are hollow and they can be placed over your real teeth, with the middle one replacing the missing tooth. In order to fit the bridge in your mouth, the enamel on the two “anchor” teeth has to be removed. A dental bridge initially costs less than a dental implant, but it is less durable and will likely need to replaced in the future. This could make it a more expensive option in the long run. 

Dental Implants

Unlike bridges, a dental implant is a single fake tooth affixed to a titanium “root” that’s surgically implanted in your jaw bone. As such, there’s no need to remove any of the enamel from your current, healthy teeth. Dental implants also last much longer than bridges do. However, the condition of your gums and bone may make it difficult to perform the implant procedure. On top of that, if the teeth near the missing one are decaying or unhealthy, it can help to simply cover them with a bridge.

At the clinic of James Julien DDS, in Kenai, AK, you’ll find a dentist committed to helping you make the best decisions for your teeth. If you’re looking to restore your smile, the entire team will make sure you understand your options. Contact them online for more info, or call (907) 283-4857.