Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Dental Implants!!

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Dental Implants Are the Choice!

A recent subject in an article in the New York Times discussed the current trend of replacing teeth with dental implants instead of with the time tested technique of a fixed bridge. So is one way better than the other? That would probably depend upon your own values, but pros and cons exist for both approaches.
In the Times article Dr. Lawrence J. Kessler, a periodontist and associate professor of surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine was quoted “Bridges are not the standard of care anymore. In an overwhelming majority of cases, implants to replace lost teeth are by far the best long-term solution for maintaining a healthy mouth. Also, because they rarely need to be replaced, in the long run they are more economical than bridges. For most people who lose teeth, implants are the treatment of choice.”
Bridges require that the teeth supporting the bridge to be “drilled” to remove enough tooth structure to provide room for the material the bridge will be made of. In the short term a bridge may be less expensive. Your flossing is more difficult due to the fact that you must thread a piece of floss under the bridge to clean. With an implant, once the implant is secure in the bone, short of trauma, you are more than likely done with that area. You can’t get decay on metal and it flosses as if it were a natural tooth.

Implants are initially more invasive, but the tooth is being removed anyways. It has been said to me that an implant is much easier than getting a root canal! I have an implant! Before the tooth failed I had root canal…3 times! I vote for an implant any day. The implant supported crown is the closest dentistry can get you to a natural tooth. Should you have any questions regarding implants versus a bridge, please do not hesitate to call us at 561-394-9000. Our staff will answer your questions and arrange for an appointment to get you on your way to the most appropriate choice of treatment for you.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.