Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a tooth cannot be saved due to extensive decay, infection, fracture, or loss of supporting bone. When a tooth is lost, there are several ways to restore the missing space. Two common options are a dental bridge or a dental implant.
A dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of the missing space for support. These teeth are prepared for crowns, which are connected to a replacement tooth that fills the space between them. A bridge can be an excellent option, particularly when the neighboring teeth would also benefit from crowns. Here at Cedars Family Dental we can often fabricate and cement a bridge all in one day!
A dental implant replaces the missing tooth without requiring us to prepare the neighboring teeth. This can be especially appealing when those adjacent teeth are healthy and have little or no existing dental work. The implant itself is placed into the bone by a dental specialist, where it is allowed time to heal and integrate. Dr. Barbosa coordinates this care with trusted local specialists and, once the implant is ready, restores it with a custom abutment and crown designed to look and function like a natural tooth.
There isn’t one solution that is right for everyone. We’ll consider the health of the surrounding teeth and bone, your bite, your overall dental health, and your goals to help you understand which option makes the most sense for your smile.
