A dental bridge is an ideal tooth replacement for patients missing three or more consecutive teeth. Tooth loss can leave patients with deteriorating oral functions that will worsen without restorative treatment.
Your dentist may suggest a removable or a fixed bridge, depending on your preferences and unique dental needs. Gwaltney Dental, a dentist office located in Suffolk, VA, describes the different advantages between fixed and removable dental bridges.
Removable Dental Bridge
The removable dental bridge is an effective tooth replacement treatment. Compared to implant dentistry, this type of restorative solution is affordable and efficient. Many patients appreciate the ability to remove the fixture when not in use, offering relief of pressure in their mouths.
The bridge makes it easier to chew, speak, and perform other oral functions. But since this type of bridge is not fixed into place, patients risk getting food particles caught under the device. This could lead to the development of gum disease or decay for surrounding teeth.
Dentists also advise dietary restrictions for patients wearing a removable bridge. Crunchy, sticky, or hard-textured foods could damage the appliance, which could require the purchase of a replacement fixture or costly dental work.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
An implant-supported dental bridge is fixed into place, providing permanent restorative benefits for a dental patient. Unlike with removable appliances, these patients do not have to worry about utilizing adhesives or inopportune slippage.
An implant offers further restorative advantages because it preserves jawbone health. With this treatment, a dentist surgically places two anchors – one for each end of the bridge prosthetic – into a patient’s jaw. These anchors replace the roots of missing teeth, which stimulate the jawbone to keep it from degenerating.
This fixed bridge can be more expensive than a removable appliance, and the implant process can take several months to complete as the patient heals from oral surgery. However, the fixed bridge can ultimately give more extensive and long-lasting benefits than a removable option.
Dental Bridges and Other Teeth Replacements in Suffolk, VA
Gwaltney Dental provides dental bridge prosthetics and other tooth replacement solutions to patients in Suffolk, VA. Our practice specializes in restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our staff online or reach our office by phone at 757.982.8467.