
Unfortunately, there are many reasons for tooth loss, including genetics, large cavities, gum disease, injuries, and more. And while missing a single tooth is quite common, it can lead to many problems down the road such as bite alignment issues, bone loss in the jaw, gum disease, and eventually more tooth loss. The good news? At Amaze Dental, we have excellent ways to replace a missing tooth, including dental bridges and dental implants in DeSoto. Learn more below about how Dr. Najjar can beautifully restore your smile after tooth loss and help you enjoy great oral health for many years. And if you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us anytime!
During your consultation, Dr. Najjar will discuss the pros and cons of the two replacement options below and answer any questions to help you make the right decision for your needs.
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with a "floating" dental crown that’s fused to the two healthy teeth on either side (which also have dental crowns). These two teeth provide support for the replacement tooth in the middle. A bridge is non-removable and lasts an average of 10-15 years with good oral hygiene and regular checkups.
A dental implant differs from a bridge because it replaces both the root and crown of a missing tooth. The first step is a small initial surgery that takes 1 to 2 hours per implant. Once a surgical-grade titanium post (the implant itself) is placed in the jaw, it's given several months to osseointegrate, or bond, with the jawbone. Then the implant is completed with single, custom-made dental crown that’s designed to blend in with your existing smile and look just like a natural tooth.
Each person is unique, so there are cases in which a dental bridge is a great option. However, as a dentist in DeSoto, we usually recommend dental implants because of the unique advantages they provide, including: