Dental science has advanced significantly in the last 30 years such that patients with missing teeth now have several great options for tooth replacement technology available. Dental bridges have been a long established method of filling the gaps in your smile. Dental implants are a newer method that has rapidly increased in popularity in recent years.
So what’s the difference between a dental bridge vs. implant? Which treatment option is right for you? Most dentists including Dr. Leah Butler of Butler Family Dentistry in Strongsville, OH prefer implants due to their strength, longevity and ease of care. However, numerous factors need to be considered, including if your tooth loss is recent or happened years ago.
Practical Reasons for Both
In the past, a bridge was the only available choice. A dental bridge involves more than just the missing tooth. The adjacent teeth on either side of the gap in your smile need to hold the bridge in place. They are prepared for this by a dentist removing most of the enamel in order to crown the teeth so that the bridge can be attached. With dental implants, Dr. Butler embeds the replacement tooth directly into the jawbone resulting in a tooth that is stronger and permanent.
Nonetheless, a dental bridge may be your best option if the neighboring teeth have large fillings and need crowns or caps in the future. If the tooth or teeth were lost a long time ago, the gum and bone will have receded and procedures beyond the implant- such as bone grafts- will be required before placement. The advantages and disadvantages to both procedures can ultimately be discussed with Dr. Butler.
Your Oral Care Routine
Your ability to keep your mouth clean and healthy will be easier with an implant. Dental bridges are cemented in the mouth, and involve at least three crowns connected together to fill the space of the missing tooth. The nature of this design creates challenges when brushing and flossing, so it is important to be meticulous when cleaning.
Flossing, in particular, will require an additional step to thread the floss under the false tooth to prevent gum disease from setting in. In contrast, implants replace teeth individually without affecting other teeth. You can brush and floss around an implant as you would your natural tooth, making oral care much easier and more effective.
Durability
Dental implants are more durable than bridges, providing a restoration that lasts a lifetime. The metal cylinder or post that is embedded into the jawbone is normally made of titanium or zirconia and these strong materials fuse with your jawbone naturally as the site heals. The implant itself is resistant to decay and if properly cared for, will last a lifetime with only the crown (the false tooth mounted on top) needing to be replaced every 15-20 years due to normal wear and tear. However, they can last longer with proper care.
On the other hand, the average life of a dental bridge is approximately 10 years and the entire bridge will need to be replaced. Also, because a portion of your natural tooth remains beneath it, normal wear may cause the bridge over time as the remaining tooth structures continue to be susceptible to decay and gum disease.
Cost Comparison
The cost of the dental bridge is less initially, but it will need to be replaced at some point in the future. Implants – from preparation to final placement – may seem more expensive, but can actually save you money over time. Fortunately, most dental insurance providers now pay for a portion of or all of the steps involved in the implant process.
Implant treatment is also generally more flexible, allowing patients to budget the cost in increments. For example, a bone graft is sometimes needed to reinforce the jawbone to support an implant. This graft typically has to heal for several months before an implant can be done. This inadvertently allows the patient more time to save for the next phase of the process.
Dental Implants in Strongsville, OH
Both options are preferable to being self-conscious about your smile or having difficulty chewing properly. Although bridges are an older procedure, dental implants have become more commonplace over the years, and in most cases are the preferred method of treatment for missing teeth due to their durability and ease of care.
If you are considering dental implants, you need to see the best implant dentist possible. Dr. Butler of Butler Family Dentistry is a skilled and compassionate professional who is dedicated to helping you meet your dental health goals. For a consultation with Dr. Butler about dental implants or any other dental concern, please call (440) 230-6748 or schedule a consultation online today!