They might not talk about it, but people lose their teeth all the time.
It is estimated that 69 percent of individuals between 35 and 44 have lost one or more adult teeth. About a quarter of all adults in the United States have lost all of their teeth by 74.
Getting a replacement for a missing tooth is critical to keeping your teeth in normal alignment. Dental bridges and implants are two of the most prevalent alternatives. Maintaining your facial structure and speaking and eating normally are two more benefits of getting dentures or bridges.
Now, the conversation can center around dental bridges vs implants. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of the dental implants vs bridge debate.
What Are Dental Bridges?
In the distant past, bridges were the only choice for filling in gaps between teeth. A dental bridge is still an option for those who are missing one or more teeth.
When you lose a tooth, the gap between the teeth is “bridged” with a dental bridge. This means that your dentist will have to file down one or more nearby teeth to make room for the restoration so that it can act as a support.
Implants replace the root of your tooth, while bridges do not. Your neighboring teeth will act as a buttress to support the crown that will replace the lost tooth.
It is possible to use a dental bridge to replace one to four teeth, depending on the patient’s specific requirements. It may replace more than four teeth in certain rare circumstances, but only if there are enough healthy teeth to join the dental crowns together.
In addition, you’ll find that there are different types of dental bridges. First, we have the traditional bridges. These are by far the most common choice.
Dental crowns are used to hold the fake teeth in place, and the crowns are bonded to the adjacent natural teeth. This is the best option when you have healthy teeth on each side of the gap where a tooth is missing.
Then, we have the Cantilever and the Maryland bridges. Because the crown of one nearby tooth serves as the Cantilever, you only need one natural tooth to fill in the gap left by a lost one. As for the Maryland one, it’s two teeth instead of one.
Dental Implants 101
Dental implants may be your best option if you have lost a tooth due to decay, an accident, or other cause. A titanium post serves as a tooth root for a dental implant, which supports a crown.
Surgically, your dentist will insert the implant into your jawbone, where your dentist will permanently fuse it. If you’ve had your post-frame fused, the dentist will use an abutment to extend your gumline and allow a dental crown to be screwed in or cemented.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
An implant procedure will need oral surgery. While you’re sedated, your dentist usually conducts this treatment.
Drilling a tiny hole into your jawbone and gently screwing the base into your bone is what your dentist does during surgery. They then cover the dental implant with your gums to allow it to recover.
You’ll need a second procedure to insert a connection into the top of your dental implant after the implant base has healed. Next, the dentist will use a tiny screw and dental cement to attach the crown to the connection.
Is getting a bridge and then an implant is possible, right? Yes, it is correct.
When a bridge begins to show deterioration, it is time to replace it. If you’re unhappy with the way your bridge looks and feels in your mouth, you may want to consider getting a dental implant instead. It’s possible that it’s not as appealing as you had planned.
Dental Bridges vs Implants: Similarities and Differences
An experienced dentist can help you choose the ideal tooth replacement based on your unique circumstances. Generally speaking, if you have a few or many missing teeth, your best bet is to go with a partial denture. And, regardless of your decision, you’ll want to go to a great dentist for your procedure.
But, if you’re looking at a situation where you can go with either option, let’s explore other factors.
The Cost
A dental bridge is more likely to be covered by your insurance than an implant if you have dental coverage.
Talk to a dentist about partial dentures or other alternatives if you don’t have insurance and both choices are out of your price range.
The Number of Missing Teeth
When more than one consecutive tooth is lost, a dental bridge may be a better alternative than an implant.
Each lost tooth requires a separate implant procedure, which may be costly and problematic.
Your Overall Health
Patients with medical illnesses like diabetes or leukemia may not be able to have dental implants since they need surgery.
Candidates for dental implants should be in excellent health and have a healthy jawbone that can hold the implant.
Time Constraints
A dental implant may take months to complete, but a dental bridge can be fitted in two visits to your dentist spaced out over a few weeks.
An oral surgeon will make a small incision in your jawbone to place the implant’s root. While the bone heals, they may place a temporary denture in your mouth. A crown may only be inserted once the bone has healed for up to six months.
Implant vs Bridge: Simplified
When you lose teeth, you’ll be faced with two possibilities for replacing your lost tooth. Those are dental implants and bridges. With a lesser initial cost, dental bridges are more likely to be covered by your insurance plan.
Dental implants are better if you don’t care about cost and are in excellent general health since they stay longer and don’t harm your neighboring teeth. A dentist can assist you in determining the best course of action for your particular condition. And we hope that our guide on the dental bridges vs implants comparisons has given you a solid foundation.
But, if you want to learn more, you should head straight to our health section for all the other explainers and guides that can help you learn all about your oral health.
