Is It Better To Get A Dental Implant Or A Bridge?
A missing tooth is not only unattractive, but it can also cause problems with speaking, chewing, and even your appearance. There are several treatments to replace missing teeth.
This blog post will discuss two of them: dental implants and bridges. We will compare the advantages and disadvantages of each type so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
Dental Implant Vs. Bridge: What’s The Difference?
A dental implant is a replacement tooth made of titanium and looks similar to natural teeth. The artificial root is placed into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time, allowing you to chew normally. It also supports false teeth or crowns, which can improve your appearance and function.
On the other hand, dental bridges are false teeth connected to adjacent natural teeth, called abutments. The bridge spans the gap created by one or more missing teeth and is held in place by the abutments.
Now that you know the basics, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option:
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Dental Implants
It’s crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants before you decide.
Pros
- Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth
- They’re very strong and durable, often lasting up to 20 years
- Implants don’t require any grinding down of surrounding healthy teeth
- Retain a natural-looking appearance longer than bridges
Cons
- Less likely to be covered by insurance
- It May require multiple surgeries
- Involves a bit more pain and discomfort than bridges
- Higher upfront cost
- Takes longer to heal
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Dental Bridges
Now that you understand the pros and cons of dental implants, let’s take a look at dental bridges:
Pros
- Bridges are less expensive than implants
- They’re easier to install than implants
- Likely to be covered by insurance
- Doesn’t require invasive surgery
- Only requires two visits
Cons
- Can loosen over time and need to be replaced
- Lose natural-looking appearance faster than implants
- Higher risk of cavities in surrounding teeth
- Damage to healthy teeth around the missing tooth
How To Decide Between A Dental Implant And Bridge
The best way to make an informed decision is by getting all of the facts, which means talking with our dentist at Family Dentist Westport. Some of the factors that your dentist will put into consideration include:
Cost:
Dental implants are typically more expensive than bridges, and in most cases, they’re not covered by insurance. Therefore, if you want to use your health insurance, the dentist will probably recommend Dental Bridges Westport.
You may also want to ask about other options, such as partial dentures, if you don’t have insurance and can’t afford to pay out of pocket.
Number Of Missing Teeth
Your Westport dentist will also consider the number of teeth missing. If you have only one tooth missing, a dental implant may be more practical because it’s a more effortless procedure for your dentist to perform and is less invasive than placing four or five implants at once.
A bridge is most suitable in cases where you’re missing more than one consecutive tooth. In such a case, an implant may not be a practical option because it involves more extensive surgery to place several implants at one time. Not to mention, the cost will be extremely high.
Bone Density And Overall Health
The health of your jawbone is also a factor in deciding whether to get a dental implant or bridge. For example, if you have poor bone density or an infected jaw, implants may not be an option for you.
And because implants involve surgical procedures, you should also be in perfect health to avoid complications. For instance, if you have medical conditions like leukemia and diabetes that slow down healing, dental bridges may be the best option for you.
Time
Time is also a factor to consider when deciding between dental implants and bridges. If you have a busy lifestyle, getting dental implants may be more difficult because of the time commitment required for the initial surgery and subsequent follow-ups. On the other hand, dental bridges can be placed in one or two visits.
Other Treatment Options
Apart from dental bridges and implants, you can also choose between:
- Dentures: These are removable false teeth that fit over your gums and are used when you have lost all your teeth.
- Partial Dentures: These are removable false teeth, but unlike complete dentures, they only replace some of the missing tooth structures and can be used when you have a few missing teeth. They are also perfect when your surrounding teeth are not strong enough to support a dental bridge.
Takeaway
Overall, dental implants and bridges are great options for restoring your smile. However, the best choice for you will depend on various factors, including your oral health, lifestyle, and budget. So be sure to consult with your dentist to see which restoration is suitable for you.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Are you considering a dental implant or dental bridge procedure to improve your smile? Visit us at Distinctive Dental Service so that you can learn more about the options available to you before you make any decisions. Schedule an appointment or call Westport Dentist at (203) 222-1444 to transform a dull or flawed smile into a confident, beautiful one.
