One of the most famous sets of false teeth in American history belonged to George Washington. Contrary to popular myth, his false teeth were not made from wood. At his 1789 inauguration, the Father of Our Country had false teeth made primarily from hippopotamus ivory and brass screws.
Prosthodontics did not advance much over the next 200 years. As late as 1989, a dentist could do better than hippopotamus ivory, but not much better.
Today, patients suffering from tooth loss have a number of options, such as tooth bridges or implants. These procedures are not just cosmetic. Missing or broken teeth accelerate bone loss, breed bacteria, and create excess pressure on remaining teeth.
What are Tooth Bridges?
Bridges are usually a good option for people with broken teeth. Dr. Stone shapes your remaining teeth so they support artificial crowns. The process is almost like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. The lines on your remaining teeth must match the lines on the bridge. Otherwise, it’s like cramming a corner jigsaw piece into the middle of the puzzle.
Dental bridges have been around a long time. They do not require surgery and are relatively inexpensive.
What are Dental Implants?
In contrast, dental implants have only been around since the 1960s and have only been widely used since the 1990s. However, if you are missing teeth, you cannot do much better than implants. Dr. Stone replaces the entire tooth as opposed to just the damaged parts of the crown. For example, he takes out the damaged tooth root and replaces it with a titanium rod. This artificial root ends bone loss and gives you a trouble-free replacement.
The end result is a long-lasting solution that is permanent, looks great, and is easy to care for. Dr. Stone does not need to touch adjacent teeth, and the implant crowns are impervious to bacteria and decay.
Tooth Bridge vs. Implant: Which is Better?
As mentioned, the extent of damage is one of the most important factors in the tooth bridge vs. implant debate. But there are some other factors as well, such as the amount of time the tooth has been broken or missing, your overall oral health, and the cost of these procedures.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Stone will carefully review all the pros and cons with you, so you can make the best decision possible.
George Washington didn’t have many choices when he began losing his teeth, but dental science has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past few decades. As a result, the tooth bridge vs. implant decision is just one choice that’s available. To see what Dr. John Stone can do for your health and your appearance, contact Best Dental Associates in Ft. Lauderdale today.
