Implant dentistry Hopkins services could be a better solution for you than bridge work or partial dentures. While implants are not as often covered by your insurance and can be more expensive than a bridge, they offer some long-term benefits a bridge will not.

A dental implant is a “root” device. It appears similar to an actual tooth root and is placed within your bone. Bridges, of course, do not go inside your bone. Your dentist will mill down two healthy teeth on either side of the bridge to support the structure that extends between them. Because implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth, they are a better option for preserving your overall tooth health.

Here are some other benefits:

• You can eliminate the need for a removable partial denture, thus giving you far more comfort.
• An implant can provide support for a denture or a bridge, making it more secure and comfortable without damaging other teeth
• An implant is a better option for speech and eating. Dentures don’t always have a perfect fit and can sometimes slide around. But implants function like your own teeth.
• The result of dental implants is reliable; they are considered an excellent and safe option for tooth replacement.

Who is a candidate for implant dentistry Hopkins work?

If you are in good overall oral health, you’d most likely qualify as a candidate for implant dentistry Hopkins work. Most often, implants are recommended for someone who has lost a tooth or teeth because of periodontal disease, an injury or some other reason.

You must also have healthy enough bone and the appropriate bone depth to support the implants (although in some cases an implant can be placed on your bone, instead of inside it). Consult with your dentist to see if you would be a viable candidate. While implants tend to be more expensive than bridges or dentures, you should look at the long-term cost. If you have to replace a bridge or denture later, the overall costs could be higher than choosing implants now.

The step in bridge work that requires filing down neighboring teeth can make those teeth prone to bacterial plaque, decay, periodontal disease and can even lead you to need root canals in the future, all piling on to the initial cost of the bridge work.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry offers some additional comparison of implants vs bridges, as well as some visuals that illustrate the differences.

If you want the best long-term solution that will give you the most comfort and reliable results, consider implant dentistry Hopkins services.