Implant vs Bridge

to replace a single missing tooth

When you're missing a single tooth, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant placed in your jaw to replace the root, and a dental crown placed over it.

Traditionally, a single missing tooth has been replaced by a dental bridge. A bridge requires that the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth are ground down and crowns placed on them. A dental implant, however, not only acts and feels like your own tooth, but it does not require crowns on the adjacent teeth.

Another option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth is a removable partial denture.

Here's an explanation of the dental implant procedure:

1: Before the procedure Expect a thorough examination. Dr. Chal will take x-rays and examine them closely. He will also check your occlusion, periodontal health, and general health. There are a lot of factors to be considered in planning a dental implant. It will be comforting to you to know that you are in the hands of an experienced expert.
2: Installing the dental implant A titanium implant, chosen and sized to fit you and the space allowed, will be carefully and precisely placed in the space of the missing tooth. Getting this titanium post placed just right is critical to the success of this procedure.
3: Attaching the new crown A dental crown, made out of porcelain and custom crafted to fit your mouth, your bite, and the exact color of your adjacent teeth, will be placed. With Dr. Chal's training and experience, you can count on this crown looking exactly like a natural tooth.
4: Allow healing to take place With today's technology, healing time is less than it used to be. Dr. Chal has the training to place Teeth-in-an-Hour. While not everyone is a candidate for Teeth-in-an-Hour, you may be, and you may wish to choose this option, so that you can function immediately.
5: Final result With a dental implant from Dr. Chal, you should expect the new tooth to look just like a natural tooth. The fit will be excellent, it will function just like a natural tooth, and it will be completely comfortable. Take care of it the same way you would a natural tooth, with brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, to keep the tooth and the gum tissue around it healthy.

Implant vs Bridge Advantages and Disadvantages

	A bridge requires placing crowns on the two adjacent teeth. Thus, three teeth are involved instead of one. Later, if there is a problem with any one of those teeth, usually the entire bridge needs to be replaced. A single dental implant is completely separate from any adjacent teeth and is treated separately.
	A dental implant helps preserve the bone. Otherwise, the bone where you have the missing tooth will shrink over the years.
	A dental implant can easily be made to look like it is growing out of the gum, so that it looks completely natural. Often, this illusion can also be created with bridges, but not always.
	If the teeth on either side of the missing tooth need crowns anyway, a bridge may be the most sensible choice.

Visit Dr. Chal's web site to see photographs of his beautiful work and read the impressive testimonials of grateful patients.

Read about dental implant costs.