Dental Implants Vs. Dental Bridges

If you have a missing tooth, it can be hard to muster up full confidence in your smile. It can hurt your self-esteem knowing there is an empty space in your smile that can be easily treated. Some of the most popular treatments that are used to replace missing teeth in cosmetic dentistry are dental implants and dental bridges.

Many patients are unaware of the pros and cons of these two tooth replacement options. We've broken down the aspects that each patient should know before opting for one or the other.

Understanding Dental Implants:

A dental implant consists of a titanium post that is drilled into the patient's jaw bone to mimic a tooth root. The post will fuse together with the jaw bone to create a strong foundation which gives the replacement restoration (fabricated tooth) a space to be cemented or screwed on.

  • This procedure stops the deterioration of the jawbone as the space below the gum line is replaced, as well as the visible tooth
  • Dental implants look better, they feel better and have a lifespan that stretches up to 25 years or longer (depending on how well they're taken care of)
  • The process of dental implants is slightly more tedious and may take up to 5-6 visits to your dental office before completion
  • This is not considered an inexpensive option as it involved a serious surgery, but worth the dollar amount invested
  • This procedure will take months before healing completely

Understanding Dental Bridges:

A dental bridge is traditionally added by fabricating two dental crowns that will eventually fit on top of the neighboring teeth and hold a restoration of a tooth in the center (to fill the missing space). The adjacent teeth will likely be contoured (stripped of their enamel) to allow space for the crowns to be fitted on top. The restoration gets its name because it "bridges the gap" between two teeth.

  • Many people opt for dental bridges as they are quick, simple, and don’t need much time for healing
  • They are sometimes less expensive than dental implants as they do not require a major surgery
  • The procedure can be completed within 2-3 visits to the dental office
  • In some cases, dental bridges may lead to the repositioning of the bone tissue that tends to create issues later on
  • The base crown needs to be replaced on average every 7-10 years

Which Procedure Should I Opt For?

The advantages and drawbacks of both these procedures are listed above. If you continue to have concerns about treatment options, your cosmetic dentist will be happy to step in. These treatments may be more or less complicated depending on your individual needs. Dental Implants may be the best option to benefit you in the long run. Consult with your dentist on which option can be the best for you and for your smile. After all, the health of your smile is the most critical aspect of all treatment options.

Interested in scheduling an appointment with Renaissance Dental Center to consult on dental implants? Contact us here!

Renaissance Dental Center is conveniently located in Raleigh, NC and services surrounding areas including Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and Garner.

Wanting to read more about dental implants? Read about the typical costs of implants here.