Do you have a missing tooth?
Are you considering the different types of restorative dental procedures available?
Does a dental bridge seem to make the most sense financially?

If you have a missing tooth and want to restore that gap in your mouth, it is critical to examine the differences between a dental bridge and a tooth implant.

Dental bridges have replaced teeth for generations of Lafayette dental patients. However, they have some drawbacks:

• They are a 3-tooth solution to a 1-tooth problem – the adjacent teeth must be prepped and crowned to hold the replacement (floating) tooth.
• It is hard to properly clean the small areas under the bridge.
• A dental bridge does not protect against bone recession at the extraction site.

Why does a tooth implant have advantages over a dental bridge?

• It is a 1-tooth solution to a 1-tooth problem.
• It is usually stronger.
• Will cut down the risk of bone recession (as compared to a bridge) because it replaces the tooth root.
• It is usually not as difficult to clean as a dental bridge – lower risk of decay.
• They generally last longer.
• Dental implants can support a denture or partial denture.

If you need to replace a tooth, talk to your Lafayette dentist about dental financing options.If you decide on a dental implant, it will probably be less pricey in the long run.

If you want to learn more about dental implants, I invite you to call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 303-665-5335. I am Dr. Gordon West, and I am dedicated to restoring smiles for my Boulder area patients with dazzling permanent restorations. Call today to schedule a dental implant consultation at my Lafayette office.