Dental Implants Vs. Bridges: Which Is a Better Tooth Replacement Option?

Dental implants and bridges are two popular options for tooth replacement. Their main goal is to replace missing teeth left by an injury, disease, or tooth decay. However, one has its advantages over the other, making it a better option for you.

Read on to learn more.

What Are Dental Implants?

These are small, screw-like metal posts that your dentist or orthodontist surgically places into your jawbone. They act as your artificial teeth’s roots keeping them in place. They are a great option for people who have lost one or more teeth as they provide stability and support. On average, they can last up to 10 to 15 years, but their lifespan can be extended for more than two decades with proper care.

This tooth implant procedure takes several months to complete, usually eight months. It works by fusing the metal post to your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Once the fusion is complete and your gums have healed, your dentist will place your new tooth on top of the dental implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are a few advantages of implants over other dental bridges, such as:

Implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
They are firmly anchored in place, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping or falling off.
Since they are placed directly into your jawbone, they stimulate and preserve it, preventing bone loss.
Dental implants are durable and can last up to 25 years or more with proper care.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

Along with the benefits are the drawbacks of this dental treatment, including:

The dental implant procedure can be quite costly.
It takes several months to complete, which may not be ideal for people who want an immediate tooth replacement solution.
Dental implants require minor surgery, which comes with risks, such as infection and nerve damage.
You may need to undergo additional procedures, such as a bone graft, to make sure that the implant will be successful, adding to the cost and time needed for the treatment.
You need to follow a few restrictions during the healing process, such as avoiding hard and sticky foods, smoking, etc.
You need to choose an experienced dental professional (like this dental office Markham area) to ensure dental implants are placed correctly to avoid complications and implant failure.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Bridges are dental appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are usually made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. They are placed on top of your existing teeth or implants and are held in place by dental crowns.

The procedure for getting a dental bridge usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. The first step is to prepare the abutment teeth, the existing teeth next to the gap where the bridge will be placed. This involves removing a portion of their enamel so the crowns can be placed on them. Your dentist will take impressions of your prepared teeth and gums and send them to a dental laboratory where your bridge will be made. In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary bridge over your prepared teeth.

Once the bridge is ready, your dentist will place it in your mouth and cement it. The final step is to place the dental crowns on the abutment teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Bridges have a few benefits over dental implants, such as:

They are a more affordable option than dental implants.
The procedure is less invasive and doesn’t require any surgery.
It usually takes less time to complete than an implant procedure.

Disadvantages of Dental Bridges

However, bridges also have a few drawbacks, including:

They may cause damage to the neighboring teeth because your dentist needs to remove some of their enamel to place the bridge.
They don’t last as long as dental implants and usually must be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
They don’t stimulate the jawbone and can lead to bone loss over time.

Choosing Between Dental Implants and Bridges

The best way to decide which dental treatment is proper for you is to consult a qualified dental professional. They can assess your case and recommend possible options, along with their pros and cons.

Visit My Dental Home dental clinic if you’re in Ontario to get professional help choosing the right dental treatment. They provide a variety of services like dental implants, teeth whitening, emergency dental services, etc.