Knowing when to replace or repair a broken or missing tooth is important. Not only is the tooth sensitive to hot and cold, but the surrounding teeth go through a rearrangement, impacting their vitality. In some cases, the jawbone can shrink, impacting your facial structure.
If you want a long-term solution, bridges and implants are the go-to for most dentists.
But what is the difference between a dental bridge vs implant? We’ve outlined the main differentiator between what are the pros and cons for each option.
Let’s take a closer look at what fillings can do for you.
Costs
Dental bridges and implants are two common solutions for replacing missing teeth. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, dental implants can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 or more per tooth, whereas a dental bridge may only cost a few hundred dollars per tooth.
Additionally, dental implants usually require some additional costs, such as surgeries, healing time, and bone or gum grafts, which can add even more to the final price. Dental bridges may also require more time to maintain and replace than implants. Therefore, costs should be a major factor when deciding between a bridge and an implant.
Aftercare
Dental bridges and implants differ when it comes to aftercare and maintenance. When you receive a dental bridge, you must take special care to maintain good oral hygiene. Teeth must be flossed and brushed properly at least twice a day, including a special focus on the site of the bridge and ensuring that food particles don’t remain trapped underneath the bridge.
Additionally, biannual visits to your dentist for professional cleaning and checkup are important. With an implant in place, aftercare is fairly easy and maintenance is low. Generally speaking, you should brush at least twice a day with gentle brushing and light flossing, and try not to use the implant in ways it is not intended for.
Suitability
Dental bridges are held in place using a non-removable prosthetic tooth to offer restoration of damaged connection between teeth. These are suitable for people who have no healthy adjacent teeth or the adjacent teeth are not strong enough to hold the bridge in place.
Dental implants are typically seen as the more optimal choice and are suitable for people in good general health with healthy gums and jawbone. These are surgically inserted into the jawbone by an implant dentist and provide a long-term solution for missing teeth. Ultimately, the selection of which option is most suitable often depends on each individual’s unique situation.
Number of Missing Teeth
Generally, while either option is appreciate for one missing tooth, more than one missing tooth will require more complex treatment. For two or more missing teeth, the solution should generally be a dental bridge.
A dental bridge is a single appliance that is placed in the empty area to bridge the gap between existing teeth. On the other hand, if four or more teeth are missing, it would likely be wise to opt for dental implants. Look for the top dentist in my area to know which option is the right one for you.
Explore the Differences Between Dental Bridge vs Implant
In conclusion, when deciding between dental bridge vs implant, the patient must consider which option is right for them.
Both have their respective advantages and drawbacks, so the patient should discuss with their dentist to decide which is best for their individual needs.
