the cost of tooth implants and other considerations...
Dental implant vs bridge is a dilemma many are faced with these days. While a bridge may seem like the easier and less expensive choice, here's why an implant is better in most cases.
Appearance
While bridges can be very attractive, they are still three or more teeth fused together. It looks better if your teeth are individual units.
It's the way God made them, after all :) Implants allow teeth to be replaced one at a time and are the prettiest way to replace a tooth.
Most conservative treatment
Dental implants are
the most conservative
and non invasive choice. A bridge requires the two adjacent teeth to be drilled and crowned. All the enamel and some of the dentin is removed so the bridge can be attached and
the replacement tooth supported. If one of those two anchor teeth gets a cavity, the entire bridge may need to be replaced.
Preserves your bone
Once teeth are lost, bone slowly re-sorbs. After a few years of bone gradually shrinking, the bridge may have a gap between the artificial tooth
and your gums and not look as nice.
Long term reliability
Dental implant failures do happen in rare cases but dental implants are one of the most predictable and reliable dental treatments.
Easier to keep clean
Because bridges are fused, it is impossible to floss in the traditional way. If flossing wasn't
already hard enough, try flossing
under a bridge. A plastic loop is used to thread the floss up and under the bridge (or down and under for lower teeth). It's difficult and easy to get
frustrated and give up. Thank goodness for Waterpiks :)
Here is a video demonstration:
There are exceptions to every rule
There are some scenarios than make the choice of dental implant vs bridge less obvious.
A bridge could be a better choice if you:
Don't have enough bone
Having a bone graft or sinus lift are two ways of adding bone to support an implant.
A bone graft or sinus lift add to the cost of a dental implant and make it take even longer. For some,
the need for these extra procedures tips the scales in favor of a bridge.
Already need crowns on the adjacent teeth
Sometimes a bridge does more than just replace a missing tooth. If the adjacent teeth have cavities or very
large fillings and need crowns anyway,
a bridge makes more sense because it solves three problems at once. Replaces a missing tooth, and strengthens the two adjacent teeth.
This video shows how a bridge is placed:
Dental implant vs bridge? The best choice for you depends on many factors. Both are good treatment options. Your dentist can help you decide.
Want to know more about dental implants? Click here:
