Bridge or Dental Implant: which is better?
When a tooth is lost, is it better to replace the missing tooth with a bridge or dental implant? With the advent of dental implants, many people are opting to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant. There are some advantages and disadvantages of dental implants.
Some advantages of using a dental implant are:
- No need to cut down, or grind down, the two adjacent teeth.
- No worries about future cavities. Dental implants are made of titanium.
- Dental implants provide a virtually permanent solution.
- Dental implants can be used when there are no natural teeth remaining to support a bridge.
When a conventional bridge should be considered, instead of a dental implant, include the following situations.
- Some people can not tolerate the idea of having a metal screw in the jaw.
- Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge takes only one or two weeks. Treatment with dental implants usually requires long treatment time, from 3 – 6 months or even longer when bone graft is done along with or prior to the implant surgery.
- Most dental insurances do not cover dental implant.
- Severe jaw bone resorption areas may require extensive bone grafting for dental implant placement.
- Severe jaw bone resorption may compromise the aesthetics in the front area. Bridges can better hide such defects in some cases.
Most people enjoy their dental implant supported crowns. These dental implants do not develop cavities, but gum disease (periodontitis) can still occur around dental implants placed in the jaw bone. Sometimes, the crowns on top of the implant can come loose and may require simple re-cementing or screw tightening.
Which is right for you? Bridge or dental implant? Discuss with your dentist whether a bridge or dental implant is right for your case. Whether you go with a bridge or dental implant, it is important to have regular check ups with dentist to make sure that you are taking proper care of your new teeth and smile.
Questions? Ask Dr. Implant.
