At our Palmdale and Lancaster dentist offices, we provide comprehensive restorative dentistry services to surrounding communities. For patients with missing teeth, we often recommend tooth replacement options like dental implants or dental bridges. 
While these two restorative dentistry options can effectively replace a missing tooth, there are some key differences between these two tooth replacement options. Learn more about the differences between dental bridges and dental implants below:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the premier tooth replacement option that modern dentistry has to offer. This is because dental implants can replace the look, feel, and function of a missing tooth.
The dental implant process involves a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is inserted beneath your soft tissues and allowed to fuse together with your jawbone. The healing time for a dental implant can take anywhere from 6-8 months.
Once fully healed and fused together with your jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the post to hold a custom dental crown. When the dental implant is complete, the restored tooth will have tooth-root functionality similar to your natural teeth.
The titanium post provides the support you need to maintain your dietary preferences without causing oral hygiene hazards. Dental implants have an extremely high patient satisfaction rating because of the long-term benefits that this restoration comes with compared to other options.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a cost-effective approach to tooth replacement. Because the dental bridge utilizes the full external support of your surrounding teeth, you do not need a surgical procedure. Instead, the doctor will attach the bridge hardware to the surrounding teeth which will hold the prosthetic tooth in place of the missing tooth.
Most patients can complete their dental bridge within just two visits to our Antelope Valley dentist offices. However, because the bridge hardware is fully external, patients must abide by certain dietary restrictions. Excessively chewy or crunchy foods can damage the bridge hardware.
Patients with dental bridges will also need to learn how to brush and floss around and underneath the bridge hardware to prevent food particles from getting stuck in or around your restoration.
Schedule An Appointment
Are you missing one or more teeth? Learn more about your tooth replacement options by visiting one of our Antelope Valley dentist offices. Our team is currently welcoming new patients to join our dental family. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to helping you restore your smile.