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Watermark Dentistry in Normandy Park, WA

Implants vs Dentures and Bridges

Image of a dental implant diagram at Watermark Dentistry.

Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are modern tooth replacement options for those suffering from tooth loss. A gap in your teeth no longer has to be a permanent feature, thanks to advancements in dentistry. People all over the world face tooth loss due to problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. Ensure that you select the most suitable tooth replacement option for your case so that your surrounding teeth remain aligned.

Dental Implants

Implants are effective tooth root replacements. They are basically screw-like titanium posts that provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed inside of your jawbone and slowly bond with it as time passes. This enables them to adequately support the new teeth on top to allow you to eat and speak properly.

Pros of Dental Implants

Here are some significant advantages of opting for dental implants:

•	Implants reestablish bite force as they are firmly placed within your gums.
•	They stimulate the jawbone to put a stop to bone loss.
•	Implants can be customized to match the hue of your original teeth.
•	They act just like your natural teeth, making it easy to speak properly.
•	Implants can be maintained through good oral habits, just like your original teeth.

Cons of Dental Implants

While dental implants are reliable and highly successful, there are a few downsides that you need to be aware of:

•	An implant is a costly tooth replacement method.
•	You may go through some pain, bleeding, or swelling after the procedure.
•	Implants may lead to sinus cavity or nerve damage to the nearby muscles.
•	In a rare case, your jawbone may fail to accept the implant.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Bridges help get rid of the gaps between teeth that result from a missing tooth. This is why restoration requires attachments to the surrounding teeth. Unlike implants, bridges are not tooth replacement methods. They simply use adjacent teeth as support for placing a crown on each end to cover the missing tooth sockets.

Pros of Bridges

Bridges are a relatively conventional tooth loss treatment, and are still frequently used by dentists across the world. Their benefits include:

•	If you are diabetic, dental implants may not work as wound healing can be slow. In this scenario, dental bridges would be a better option.
•	Bridges are inexpensive as compared to implants.
•	Bone grafting is never needed to install bridges.
•	Getting bridges in position is a faster process than having a dental implant surgery done.

Cons of Bridges

Here are some disadvantages of getting dental bridges:

•	Crowns need to be fixed over healthy teeth in order to place bridges.
•	Maryland bridges may damage permanent teeth as metal cementing is involved in the process.
•	Bridges are unable to correct jawbone loss.
•	Bridges are not as durable as implants.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable oral instruments that are used to replace missing teeth and nearby tissue. They are created to accurately match the shape and size of your jaw. Dentures are suitable for people who have teeth missing due to injury or decay. Full dentures are selected when no natural teeth are remaining in your mouth, while partial dentures are chosen when some original teeth are still there.

Pros of Dentures

Here are some of the advantages of choosing dentures:

•	Dentures look cohesive and can reestablish full rows of teeth.
•	Dentures can be opted for even when your teeth and jaw are not healthy enough.
•	It is easy to take care of dentures by rinsing each time you take them off.

Cons of Dentures

While dentures are preferable for many, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind:

•	Dentures are prone to wear and tear, and must be substituted with a new set after a particular period.
•	Multiple dentist visits may be required to get the dentures made and placed in your mouth.
•	Dentures may weaken your ability to taste food as they are placed over the upper palate of your mouth.
•	Gagging may be a nagging issue if you are unable to tune in to your dentures.

Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are all tried and tested tooth replacement options. Dental implants are suitable when you only have an individual tooth missing, while bridges are a better option when you have lost more than one tooth. Dentures, on the other hand, are recommended when most of your original teeth are missing or when you lack a jawbone in proper shape for support. If you have a tooth or two missing, schedule an appointment with us at Watermark Dentistry by calling us at (206) 242-5808 today.

Dr. June Daniel Hong

18537 First Avenue South,
Suite A
Normandy Park, WA
98148-1888

(206) 242-5808

Hours

Mon
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8am to 5pm
8am to 5pm
8am to 5pm
7:30am to 2:30pm
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About Dental Implants | Dental Implants Normandy Park, WA | Watermark Dentistry
At Watermark Dentistry, it is our goal to restore your oral health, your smile, and your quality of life. We can achieve this goal with dental implants. Click to learn more.
Watermark Dentistry, 18537 First Avenue South, Suite A, Normandy Park, WA 98148-1888 | (206) 242-5808 | watermarkdentistry.com | 12/2/2024 | Tags: dentist Normandy Park WA |