Did you recently lose a tooth in your mouth due to decay, trauma, or any other reason? If so, the gap you now have might not only be bothering you, but it is also something that could lead to a variety of dental problems. If you do not really want to wait for a dental implant, as this process takes time, a dental bridge might be a good option for you. Here are several things to understand about dental bridges.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is one of the options you have for filling in a gap from a missing tooth, and there are different types of dental bridges used for this purpose. All dental bridges, though, are made up of an artificial tooth, which fills in the gap, and at least one dental crown. The dental crown is used on a tooth next to the gap to hold the artificial tooth in place.

In most cases, dental bridges are connected by using two dental crowns, one on each side of the gap. This type of bridge is called a traditional dental bridge, and it is the most common type of bridge. When a bridge uses just one dental crown to hold it in place, it is called a cantilever bridge. This type of bridge is ideal if there is only one tooth available for use; however, using two crowns to hold an artificial tooth in place provides a stronger hold for the fake tooth.

What Are the Reasons People Choose These Over Dental Implants?

People often choose dental bridges over dental implants for several reasons. The first reason is for the cost differences. Getting a bridge is likely to cost less than an implant; however, you may want to get some quotes before making this decision.

Secondly, getting a dental bridge is faster. You can go through the entire process in just two visits and in a matter of a few weeks. Getting an implant is a process that will take at least six months, but it may take even longer than this. The other reason people choose bridges is because they do not have enough bone in their jaws to support an implant, and because of this, they would have to go through a bone-grafting procedure prior to getting an implant.

If you do not like the gap you have and if you want to protect your mouth, you should consider getting the gap filled in with either a dental bridge or an implant. To learn more, reach out to cosmetic dental clinics like The Smile Architects.