Dental Implants vs Dental Bridge

Which Tooth Replacement Option is Best For Me?

Missing teeth can affect a person’s overall smile and drag their confidence down. In today’s time, not only do we replace missing teeth for aesthetic reasons, but also to ensure the overall health of our smiles. Missing teeth in our smiles can deteriorate the jaw bone below the empty cavity. The bone deterioration is due to the lack of pressure that ultimately weakens the jaw bone.

Once a patient is ready to replace a missing tooth, they may find that various dental cosmetic options can do just that. Many dental professionals will decide which option may be the right one for you based on the complexity of your situation. Financial costs and the timeline of each patient can also play a role in determining which tooth replacement option is the best for them.

The top two options for replacing a missing tooth is by the use of dental implants or a dental bridge. Both of these options are highly recommended and work exceptionally well for patients. However, both options may not be recommended for every patient as there are variables that may deter each of them from getting the results needed. Every patient has a unique case that separates them from others. Not every patient can be a candidate for both of these options.

Why Dental Implants?

Across the nation, dental implants columbus ohio have increasingly become the #1 dentist recommended procedure for replacing missing teeth. This is the only option available on the dental cosmetic market that not only replaces missing teeth but it also replaces the tooth root underneath the dental crown.

Dental implants have the longest lifespan, which can typically last upwards of 20 years! The titanium post that is inserted below the dental crown gives the tooth the added strength below the gum line and mimic the power of a natural tooth root.

Why Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are inserted with the use of the surrounding teeth for stability. The two neighboring teeth must be contoured down and fitted with a 3-piece crown that holds a replacement tooth in the middle. This means the adjacent teeth will also be fitted with a crown. While this option will give you a great looking tooth aesthetically, it is missing the added strength and stability that the dental implant
will give you.

When Are Bridges Recommended?

Dental bridges are typically recommended for patients who have poor dental or overall health. If the missing tooth has been left un-replaced for quite some time, the jaw bone below the gumline would have likely started to deteriorate. This makes it tough to add a dental implant as the jawbone cannot handle that extra weight. In this case, a bone graft surgery can be done to strengthen the jawbone, or a dental bridge can be used. Additionally, if the surrounding teeth are also in poor shape, a bridge will cover these issues while replacing the center tooth as well.

When Are Implants Recommended?

In most cases, however, a dental implant is the #1 recommended option for tooth replacement. It provides the strength and stability that mimics that of a natural tooth. It also is the best option aesthetically! While this procedure may be a bit pricier and may require a longer timeline, it is by far the best decision in terms of durability and aesthetics. It also slows down the jawbone deterioration process while dental bridges do not.

Interesting in learning more about dental implants in general? Here's some reading on how long you should expect the dental implant procedure to take.