Are you wondering which tooth replacement option is the best for you? Dental implants or bridges? This article will provide an overview of each, noting key advantages and drawbacks so that you can make a well-informed decision.
What exactly is a dental implant?
To replace missing teeth, dental implants offer a reliable solution. These metal posts — made of titanium alloy — are surgically inserted into the jaw bone to serve as an anchor for artificial teeth. The process is called osseointegration and involves allowing the implant time to fuse securely with the bone tissue over several months. With this permanent restoration procedure in place, you can trust that your smile will remain beautiful and healthy for years down the line!
Pros of Dental Implant
1. Long-lasting
With adequate care and maintenance, dental implants have been known to outperform other solutions with a 98% success rate across the board over long periods of time – in some instances lasting for life.
2. Appear as natural teeth
Crafted to perfectly fit the shape and size of the missing tooth, dental implants lend an incredibly natural look.
3. Convenience
By opting for dental implants, you not only bid farewell to the annoying ordeal of taking out dentures but also nix any requirement for a dental adhesive.
4. Cost-effective treatment
When considering tooth replacement, dental implants are the most cost-efficient solution. Unlike other forms of restorative dentistry that need to be replaced every few years, leading to additional expenses over time, dental implants offer a longer-lasting and more sustainable option that saves you money in the long run.
5. You can get as many teeth replaced as you want
Not one, not two, but up to four dental implants can replace your missing teeth! Whether it’s a single tooth or an entire arch of dentures that need replacing – dental implants have got you covered.
Cons Of Dental Implants
1. Time-Consuming
Before you can receive your dental implants, several appointments with the dentist are necessary. It starts off with a consultation and progresses to an oral exam, surgical placement, recuperation period and finally, therapeutic visits. This entire process could take up to six months!
2. High Upfront Cost
Despite the fact that dental implant surgery initially requires more of a financial investment than other alternatives, such as dentures, its long-term durability renders it worth every penny.
3. You’ll Need Enough Bone to Support Them
For those who have suffered from gum disease and lost their teeth, the resulting bone loss can often be too extensive to consider dental implants. Fortunately, there is another option in the form of bone grafting that helps build up enough mass to support this type of restoration.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge, a prosthetic tooth made of porcelain, plastic or gold, is affixed in the gap between two abutments on either side. This versatile solution offers an aesthetically pleasing and durable alternative to missing teeth for any patient looking to restore their healthy smile.
Pros of a Dental Bridge
1. Cost less than an Implant
Patients often opt for bridges instead of implants due to the more budget-friendly cost.
2. It does not require bone grafting
Prolonged tooth loss can cause deterioration of the jawbone, which is why doctors may recommend bone grafting. Bone grafting is not required for a dental bridge.
3. Less time-consuming
Bridges are quickly installed and require minimal time in comparison to other implant procedures that can take up to six months.
Cons of a Dental Bridge
1. Bridges don’t correct bone loss
Bridges simply rest on top of the gum line -unlike dental implants, which are securely anchored into the bones for added stability and strength. Unfortunately, bridges cannot prevent bone loss from occurring.
2. Bridges don’t last long
Bridges are not as long-lasting as dental implants; they rarely remain in place over an extended period of time.
3. They require alterations to healthy teeth
To place a dental bridge, it is necessary to carefully shave down the enamel of surrounding teeth for optimal fitting of crowns.
Dental implant vs bridge – What are the procedures?
Dental Implant Procedure
Starting your dental implant journey begins with a thoughtful consultation and planning process. To evaluate the jawbone, your dentist obtains X-rays, panoramic films, or CT scans to assess its quality and quantity. If it is suitable for an immediate procedure or if booking a later date is necessary, then they can determine that as well. With careful consideration of all factors involved in this life-changing decision, you will be able to confidently move forward on the path towards improved oral health!
Before beginning your implant procedure, you’ll receive a local anaesthetic to numb the area being operated on. The first step of surgery will involve tooth extraction and any necessary bone grafting; then, it’s important that this site is given ample time (anywhere from two to six months) to heal fully before proceeding with implants. If there is no evidence of bone loss and enough natural material is present at the surgical site, then dental implants can be inserted directly following extractions – they are placed into a healthy pocket in the jawbone and covered by a cap-like structure for protection. Finally, sutures close up the gum tissue around them so healing may occur unhindered afterwards.
After the healing period, during which time the dental implant integrates with the surrounding bone, a temporary denture can be placed to improve aesthetics and replace missing teeth. Generally spanning from two to six months, this is followed by testing of the implant in order to confirm successful integration with adjacent bone.
After the dental implant has been securely placed in your jawbone, an abutment is attached to it with a screw. Your dentist will take an impression or mould of the abutment and use this as a template for creating dental crowns that fit perfectly on top. Finally, they’ll secure the custom-made crown onto the abutment using another screw to hold everything together.
Dental Bridges Procedure
Constructing a bridge usually requires metal, porcelain, or both. Before you are fitted with a dental bridge, your dentist will inspect your teeth and gums through an x-ray imaging procedure. After this examination is completed, two adjacent teeth must be slightly filed down to make room for the bridge mould that follows. A temporary one may be given while waiting on the permanent appliance before it can finally be placed in position and connected to its surrounding healthy counterparts using dental cement adhesive.
Tooth Implant vs Bridge: Treatment Length
Dental implants are a long process, taking two to six months or more in some cases. Depending on your needs and timeline, dental bridges can be installed quickly – within a couple of weeks with only two visits! While bridges need further maintenance as they weaken over time, implants offer the benefit of lasting for decades if properly cared for; all you’ll need is an occasional check-up every half year or so.
Dental Implants vs Bridges: Cost
Although dental implants may appear to be costlier than bridges, they can last a lifetime -making them the wiser investment in the long run. Bridges are certainly more budget-friendly but require regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Conclusion
Only your dentist can help determine your best option after carefully examining your teeth and mouth. Contact us at My Local Dentists to discuss with any of our experienced dentists to help you decide which option you should choose.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Bridging the gap with dental implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/dental-implants-teeth
What’s better: A dental implant or a bridge?
https://www.healthline.com/health/implant-vs-bridge#:~:text=Dental%20bridges%20are%20false%20teeth,roots%20usually%20made%20from%20titanium.