Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants
Ritter and Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry service Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and all of Palm Beach County, Florida.
There are two major tooth replacement options in the dental cosmetic industry. Depending on the circumstance, the dentist may recommend a dental implant or a dental bridge. The best way to confidently decide on which tooth replacement treatment is best for you, you must understand the basic facts for both procedures.
Dental Implant
A dental implant consists of a titanium medical-grade post that is inserted directly into the jawbone to mimic a tooth root. This post will fuse together with the jaw bone to provide the right amount of durability to withstand the bite pressure of the patient. Once the jaw bone is healed, the dentist will add an abutment to the post and finally cement on a replacement tooth on top. The tooth is usually in the form of a dental crown, dental bridge, or a denture. The overall timing for this procedure can extend to many months depending on healing time.
If you lose a tooth as a result of injury, periodontal gum disease, or any other reason, a dental implant would be an excellent choice.
The advantages and disadvantages of dental implants
Advantages
- Ensures health in the jaw bone by stopping the deterioration process
- A dental implant lifespan can be approximated to 20+ years
- They function, feel, and look like natural teeth
- Require little maintenance
- Do not strain or affect neighboring teeth, as implants stand on their own
Disadvantages
- The healing period is relatively long in comparison to bridges
- The procedure is surgical and requires more attention
- Can be costly depending on the issue at hand
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with a fabricated one, above the gum line. The tooth restoration is anchored by the two adjacent teeth that frame the missing space. The neighboring teeth are fitted with dental crowns that anchor the fabricated tooth in the center. The pontic (center tooth) is typically made from porcelain, which is a material that mimics the look and feel of a natural tooth.
The advantages and disadvantages of dental bridges
Advantages
- The procedure is quick, easy, and doesn't require months of healing
- It comes at a lower cost than a dental implant
- Considered less painful since there's no surgery required
Disadvantages
- The lifespan is an estimated 5 to 7 years
- Can lead to a weakening of the adjacent teeth
- The bone tissue below the bridge can start to deteriorate
Both of these procedures are performed often, and to address separate issues. The decision to chose one over the other will likely depend on a variety of factors. For example, if a patient doesn't have enough bone tissue below the gum line, the dentist may recommend a dental bridge. If a dental implant is still desired, the dentist will likely need to perform a bone graft treatment to repair the strength of the bone below the missing tooth. This will add months to the whole treatment process.
If the decision is based on finances, patients may opt for dental bridges as they are the option much friendlier to the wallet! However, a good investment in your smile is worth every penny. If you are still unsure of which treatment to opt for, talk to your dentist about your prospects.
Ritter and Ramsey team to provide the best in cosmetic and general dentistry procedures for you and your entire family, including dental bridges. Experience the difference, consult with Ritter and Ramsey today.
Interesting in reading more about dental bridges? Read here for more information about how much dental bridges typically cost.