When it comes to replacing teeth, options include dental implants, removable prostheses, and bridges, and at Inland Institute Surgery Center, we are experts in dental implants. What makes dental implants a better choice for many patients? We’ve compiled an in-depth comparison of the two options to provide you with the information you need to make a decision that best fits your needs.
What’s a dental implant?
Dental implants are a permanent solution in which the replacement tooth is attached to a highly sophisticated and engineered root replacement screw that we place in your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone begins to deteriorate (atrophy), and that missing tooth can be replaced by an implant that integrates with the bone. Once fully fused and secure, the implant is ready for the final crown restoration to be placed. The function of the implant within the bone preserves the bone structure.
What’s a dental bridge?
Traditional dental bridges attach to the teeth spanning the gap created by the missing tooth. Once those teeth have been shaved down and prepared, the bridge is cemented with the artificial tooth (pontic) in place. The bridge is designed to hold the replacement tooth and acts as a “stop-gap” over the empty space. It does not support nor preserve the bone at the missing tooth site which continues to atrophy without a tooth or implant within the bone.
Benefits of Dental Implants Over Bridges
Jaw Health
One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is the way in which they support both your gums and your jawbone. Implants provide a stimulus to the jawbone to keep it healthy and robust. When a tooth goes missing, the bone immediately begins to atrophy. But once a new tooth has been attached to the implant fixture, it serves as the new tooth’s roots. The movement caused by chewing resumes and stimulates bone health and the jaw, giving it strength and vitality.
A bridge, however, connects to and puts pressure on the natural, neighboring teeth, as it depends on them for support. Those teeth must be ground down and prepared (compromised) for the new attachments, and since the bridge is not anchored in the jaw, it poses a higher risk of gum recessions and jawbone density loss. Simply put, bridges do not promote jaw health, and they put undue strain and wear on the adjacent, natural teeth.
Durability
Implants act like natural teeth with a solid attachment to the jawbone. As a result, our patients never worry about slippage or embarrassing moments while chewing or speaking. Bridges are at risk of recurrent decay and the need for root canal treatment of the involved teeth, and as such, they are not as durable as implants and, while fixed to the teeth, are considered temporary.
Lifespan
With proper care and oral hygiene, implants can last as long as natural teeth. Implant success is very predictable, thanks to modern technology, so you can expect your implants to last a lifetime. Bridges, on the other hand, typically last about 8 years and require specialized care and tools to floss and brush. The durability and longevity of dental implants make them the most cost-effective option for tooth replacement in the long run and the only near-natural approach.
Bridges are a common tooth replacement method, but dental implants have proven to be superior and the best option in dentistry.
If you’ve lost a tooth or teeth, make an appointment to come into our office and discuss with Upland Oral Surgeon Dr. Gilbert what option would be the best fit for you.