Dental Bridges – An Alternative to Dental Implants

An option for patients who don’t wish to have implants.

Although we have successfully placed many dental implants for our patients from Burton Upon Trent for some time now, it is not unusual to see patients where another alternative is needed.

Although implants are perhaps the best method available as they replace the natural tooth root and therefore prevent deterioration of the bone in the jaw, other factors may be at play. For example, placing an implant does necessitate drilling a small hole into the jawbone and whilst modern anaesthetics and techniques should ensure that any discomfort is minimised, for some, it is a procedure which they would prefer not to undertake.

Dental bridges

Where implants aren’t used, a dental bridge provides an alternative. A bridge supports a new “false” tooth which sits between healthy teeth and fills the gap left by the missing one. Unfortunately, this does mean that the otherwise healthy teeth adjacent teeth have to be prepared so that the dental bridge can be attached.

Care should be taken to keep the area of the bridge clean. Not only will poor care potentially mean a weakening of the teeth that the crowns are attached to, thereby possibly threatening the bridge, but gum disease may also be a problem. So it is a little trickier to maintain than normal healthy teeth or indeed an implant.

Other options

Other than a dental bridge, there are two alternatives to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Dentures are perhaps the best well known of these, although they may cause some discomfort and, for some people, don’t provide sufficient stability. Unfortunately this can still be an issue even with the latest types of dentures.

The other option again is a dental implant procedure.

Whilst we do understand people’s concerns about the implant procedure, we can’t emphasise enough how much this is the best long term option available to replace your missing teeth.

We are more than happy to discuss the implant procedure along with the alternatives, when you attend our Burton Upon Trent dental practice. Very few have any regrets at all when they have had implants placed; however, if they are not for you, we will still be very pleased help.

Whatever method you choose to replace your tooth though, you can be assured that you will receive a professional and friendly service at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice as many of our patients from Burton are happy to attest.

To discuss tooth replacement options with us, please call our helpful reception team on 01283 845345 to arrange a consultation.