Do you one or more missing teeth? Do you have a denture that is slipping or poorly fitted?
Dr. Agrawal offers experienced care for tooth replacement and can give you back a smile that is comfortable, healthy and lasting. Dr. Agrawal works with edentulous patients on an individual basis to assess needs, discuss cosmetic goals and create a personalized treatment plan. Whether you need to replace one missing tooth, a full arch of teeth, or want to explore your options to secure a denture, we can meet your needs in our Columbia dental office.
Dental Implant vs Bridge: what to consider
The replacement of a single tooth can be accomplished with a traditional dental bridge or a dental implant. Patients can feel overwhelmed by their choices and Dr. Agrawal will take the time to fully explain all options and the pros and cons of each one. For most patients, the use of a dental implant will provide the most natural-looking and functioning result. Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone and serve as a prosthetic tooth root, capped by a custom dental crown to replace the tooth.
Important factors to consider include:
- Procedure time and cost: a dental implant will take some time to complete due to the healing period of several months that takes place between the placement of the post and the restoration of the crown. A traditional dental bridge will be placed within several weeks in most cases. Dental implants are typically costlier upfront, but in the long run, this can be outweighed by the ongoing stability.
- Stability of the restoration: a dental implant will provide a secure and stable new tooth and is not removable. Implants enable natural chewing and biting forces for greater confidence in your daily life.
- Preservation of adjacent tooth structure: the placement of a dental implant does not require the removal of tooth structure from adjacent teeth, a necessary part of placing a traditional bridge that is secured to these teeth with new crowns.
- Reduced bone loss in the jaw: the placement of an implant supports and stimulates natural bone tissue growth in the jaw. Without this, over time the jaw can shrink where the tooth was lost as bone tissue degrades.
Questions? Need a second opinion?
Dr. Agrawal can provide an evaluation of your tooth replacement needs and provide options for restoring your smile. Schedule an appointment in ur Columbia dental office to discuss your needs or for a second opinion on a dental treatment plan.