Dental Bridge or Implant?

Dental bridges and implants are some of the more common options for most people who are looking for an effective way to restoring their pearly white smile without the need to use dentures. This is an excellent choice for you to restore your teeth, and even eating and talking will feel just like normal.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are considered the easiest solution to bridge the gap that is created by missing one or more teeth. It actually contains a bridge that connects the adjacent teeth to provide a natural look. The connecting tooth is called as false tooth or pontic that can be made of alloys, porcelain or gold. Dental bridges can be supported by either the natural teeth or a dental implant. This is an easy and inexpensive procedure to select if you need to restore your smile right away. Setting up dental bridges is  easy and will not require an enormous amount of time.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are another option to restore your smile. This is a more in-depth dental procedure wherein a titanium post is implanted within the jawbone. As the jawbone grows, it effectively fuses with the titanium post, which makes this a permanent option. The temporary crown will be then attached to the post as it fuses and heals. The healing from this procedure takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months, all depending on the implant’s location. Dental implants can be used also to secure dentures or bridges.

Considerations

Dental implants can be less noticeable which will offer a more natural look. The dental implants also give you the chance to chew food better as compared to bridges wherein the artificial tooth may slip. The bridges also require vigorous care to effectively place them. If one of the teeth wherein the attached bridge is affected, it can require replacement of the entire bridge to correct the problem. The only issue of dental implants is they are very expensive.

Time Frame

The life span of dental bridge can reach up to 10 or more years, which will depend on the proper care and hygiene. Dental implants are permanent, but for bridges and crowns that are attached to this will require for replacement as time goes by. In general, proper oral care is very imperative to have long-lasting benefits of these dental procedures.

If you are planning to get either of these dental procedures, it is very important for you to do your research first to determine which the best one is. You have to consider the pros and cons of each of these options. If you are on a budget then dental bridge is the best choice, but if you want to have a more permanent solution then a dental implant is the best choice.

In conclusion, dental bridges or dental implants are both an effective way to help to reinstate your smile. You just have to consider several aspects that can influence your decision on the best type of dental procedure that is applicable to your needs.

Avoid Halloween Cavities with Sugar Free Gum

October is approaching, and with it comes a slew of Halloween candies! Trick-or-treating is a time-honored tradition and is enjoyed by children and adults alike. In Lafayette, the official trick-or-treat hours are from 6 to 8 pm on October 31st.

All of that candy can have negative side effects on your dental health. Lafayette, Louisiana Dentist Dr. Timothy Chauvin can tell you, candy consumed in large amounts can contribute to cavities. Luckily, research has found a candy that will not contribute to cavities. In fact, this candy can prevent cavities!

Dr. Chauvin states that Xylitol, a chemical used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free gums and candies, can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth. The chemical is incredibly effective at preventing the bacteria that causes cavities, Streptococcus mutans.  Best consumed after a meal or drink, the candy will stimulate saliva production, dislodge food particles still in the mouth, neutralize any remaining acids, and remineralize teeth. While all of that is going on, the xylitol prevents bacteria from spreading further. Regular use of sugar-free candies containing xylitol can actually provide long-term protection against cavities as well.

The difference between sugar-free and regular gum is, while producing extra saliva and dislodging food particles, the sugar provides a food source for bacteria, and should be avoided.

It is important to note that not all of these gums and candies have xylitol in them, so make sure to check the ingredients. Sugar-free gums produced by Trident, Orbit and Ice Breakers contain xylitol.