If you have a missing or severely damaged tooth, it is crucial to treat the issue with the right tooth replacement solution for you. Fortunately, there are various methods dentists can use to replace teeth, with dental implants and dental bridges being two of the most popular. But when it comes to dental implants or bridges, which is best? Examine each method’s most significant benefits and drawbacks to determine which is better suited to your situation.
What Is a Dental Implant?
You probably know that dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option, but before deciding if dental implants or bridges are for you, it’s important that you understand what both are and how they work.
Dental implants are small, screw-like metal posts that are implanted directly into the jawbone. As the implant site heals, a process called osseointegration occurs, whereby the surrounding bone fuses to the dental implant. This process allows the implant rod to act similarly to the root of a natural tooth, providing a sturdy base for the artificial crown.
Dental implants consist of three parts:
- The dental implant is the metal post that is anchored into the jawbone. It is usually made of titanium zirconium, an extremely biocompatible material.
- The abutment, which is a small piece that firmly connects the artificial tooth and the dental implant.
- The replacement tooth. Although this is usually a custom-made crown, it can also be a dental bridge or denture.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Along with dental implants, bridges are among the most common treatments for missing or seriously damaged teeth. There are several different types of dental bridges, but the most common type uses crowns capped on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth for support.
Both the artificial tooth and the crowns are custom made to blend with your other teeth in shape, size, and colour. A dental bridge can be used to replace one or several teeth in one piece. Alternatively, your dental bridge can be supported by a dental implant or metal or porcelain structures that look similar to wings and bond to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap. The latter is typically used to replace front teeth.
Dental Implants or Bridges: The Pros and Cons
Whether dental implants or bridges are right for you is a personal choice, and there are several factors you should consider when making your decision. These include:
Bone Preservation
When you have a missing tooth, the jawbone in that spot can begin to dissolve or be reabsorbed over time. This can affect the shape of your face, particularly if you have more than one gap, creating a sunken or fallen cheek.
One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is that they effectively promote bone preservation. Because the dental implant is inserted directly into the jawbone, it gives the bone something to grip onto in much the same way as the tooth’s root. The implant rod will stimulate the jawbone when you chew or bite down, just like your natural tooth would.
While a dental bridge is much better than leaving a gap in your teeth, it does not offer the same support to the jawbone.
Durability
Whether you opt for a dental bridge or a dental implant, you will receive an extremely durable and robust solution to a missing tooth. However, dental implants tend to last longer than a dental bridge; if you look after them well, they can easily last 20 years, with some people never requiring a replacement at all.
The issue of durability affects how cost-effective these treatments are. Some people put off getting a dental implant because the initial price is significantly higher than a dental bridge. Although this is true because implants typically last considerably longer than bridges, they can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Effect on Surrounding Teeth
The most common way to fit a dental bridge is to attach it to the teeth on either side of the gap. For the caps to fit over the teeth comfortably, the dentist must file down the surface of these nearby teeth. The process is relatively quick, but it is irreversible. Dental implants, on the other hand, do not impact the surrounding teeth.
The Procedures
Getting a dental bridge is a straightforward procedure that typically takes two appointments: one to take an impression of the area and one to fit the dental bridge.
On the other hand, fitting dental implants is a longer process that involves several appointments. This is mainly because osseointegration takes some time. Depending on how much time you need to heal, the entire process could take a year, though usually it is completed much quicker in six to nine months.
Patient Suitability
Although dental implants offer a durable and highly functional tooth replacement option, unfortunately, they are not suitable for everyone.
Patients who suffer from gum disease, for instance, are usually not good candidates for this procedure as dental implants have a much higher chance of failing without adequate support and good oral hygiene.
You may also be an unsuitable candidate for a dental implant if you suffer from a condition that affects bone density, such as osteoporosis or diabetes. Because dental implants are inserted directly into the bone, they require a strong base to work. A dental bridge, however, does not have as many restrictions.
Before preparing your treatment plan, your dentist performs a thorough examination, including dental X-rays, to determine if a dental implant will work for you.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
Whether you opt for a dental bridge or dental implant, you will be impressed by the look, feel, and functionality of these sophisticated restorative treatments. However, when deciding if dental implants or bridges are right for you, consider the pros and cons of each and talk to your dentist.
The friendly, experienced team at No Gaps Dental will be happy to assist you in making your decision and give you some helpful guidance. Call (02) 8806 0227 to book your initial consultation today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.