Losing teeth at any age can be frustrating and embarrassing. You might constantly try to cover your mouth when around others or even stop smiling to prevent others from seeing your gap. However, your appearance might end up being the least of your concerns if the tooth loss results in a decline of functionality or damage to surrounding teeth. Luckily, with advances in dentistry-related technology and our team of experts at Piper Family Dentistry, replacing a missing tooth is easier than ever. Two of the most common options to replace missing teeth are bridges and implants.
Bridges
A bridge is a dental device that replaces a missing tooth, or teeth, with a fixed in place ceramic replacement. To attach a bridge, the shape of the teeth surrounding the gap are modified and the custom bridge is cemented on top. This placement covers the gap. Bridges can be matched to the color of your teeth.
Bridges can be a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth and can be done in just two visits. Most dental insurance covers some part of the fee of a bridge.
This device is ideal for patients with multiple missing teeth in a row since only one device is required to replace the entire row. However, some bridges only last 10-15 years. So, the younger you are, the less financial sense they make. Bridges can also put stress on the teeth they are anchored to and do not stop bone loss under the teeth they are replacing.
Implants
A dental implant is a replacement tooth that is anchored directly into your jaw just like a natural tooth does. Dental implant color, similar to bridges, can be matched to your other teeth. Implants also slow the bone loss caused by missing a tooth.
Unlike the speed of installing a bridge, implants can take 4-6 months or more to complete because your bone must heal completely before the final steps are completed.
Dr. Piper offers a full array of dental services and may recommend a bridge, implants, or a combination of the two to best correct your missing teeth. For a dentist you can trust, call Piper Family Dentistry at (727) 548-7100 or click here to schedule your appointment and take the first step to building a healthy smile you can’t wait to show off.
Dr. Piper is a General and Cosmetic Dentist who has proudly served Pinellas County since 1993. Both he and his team of professionals provide high quality, gentle dental care in a relaxed, personalized, and caring environment. Treating patients like family sets his practice apart from others.
