DENTAL IMPLANTS VS DENTAL BRIDGES
When you have teeth that are pulled, fall out or are knocked out, you need to make sure that you replace them as soon as possible. When you meet with your dentist, they will walk you through a few different replacement options. Two of the most popular are dental implants and
dental bridges.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are false teeth that are held in place by titanium rods. These rods are secured to the teeth via an abutment. While there are implant options for multiple teeth, implants are often used for the replacement of a single tooth.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that involves a pontic (false set of teeth) placed over a gap where teeth are missing. The pontic is held in place with abutments that are secured over healthy teeth that have been reshaped.
What Issues Do These Replacements Help to Resolve?
Both implants and bridges are used to fill the gap where a tooth or teeth are missing. This helps to provide support for the patient’s bite, and allows the patient to better chew. Both of these options also help to prevent teeth migration. Finally, they help with the patient’s self-esteem—boosting their confidence by completing their smile.
Advantages of Implants
While dental implants and dental bridges have a lot in common as far as advantages go, there are some additional advantages to implants that make them a better choice for a lot of patients. Because of how they are secured, implants can provide the patient with a stronger bite than bridges—allowing the patient to chew and bite down with little worry of damaging the prosthetic. Implants are also long lasting—making them an excellent option in the long run. Finally, implants are better at supporting the bone tissue in the jaw—which lowers the chances of bone loss.
Why Bridges?
While implants may be ideal, dental bridges are also an excellent tooth replacement option. Just like implants, bridges are able to mimic the look of natural teeth very well—allowing the patient to smile without feeling self-conscious. Bridges are also much more affordable upfront—but they will most likely need to be replaced more often than implants.
A huge factor in the decision between dental implants and dental bridges is the strength of the patient’s jawbone, and its ability to handle the procedure. If there has been major deterioration of the bone tissue, or if the jawbone has been damaged more severely, a patient may no longer be a candidate for implants. Some patients will be candidates for bone grafts, which may allow them to have implants placed. It is important to note, though, that bone grafts are expensive—and they are not guaranteed to work.
Speak with Your Dentist
If you have a tooth or teeth missing, or you are going to have a tooth or teeth pulled, speak with your dentist about which tooth replacement option is best for you.
Interested in learning more about Drs. Leal, Spangler, and Johnson and their dental implant process? Call today and setup your consultation.
Just looking for more information about dental implants in general? Here's reading on determining whether or not you need dental implants.