Dental Bridges Vs Dental Implants: Which Is Right For Me?

Dental Implants Vs Dental Bridges

What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small, titanium base (screw) that is surgically placed within your jawbone below your gum line. Overtime, this post will fuse with your jawbone acting as an artificial tooth root that also stimulates and preserves your bone structure. On top of the dental implant sits a restoration. The restoration is color matched to your existing teeth to give a natural appearance. A dental implant is typically used to replace only one missing tooth.

Dental Implant Process
Your dentist will first determine if you are a good candidate for a dental implant. If you meet all of the qualifications, you will then have a surgery date booked to place the titanium base into your jawbone. Your dentist will use a form of anaesthesia to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Once the surgery is complete, you will have to wait 3-4 months for your titanium base to fuse with your jawbone. Once healed, your new custom designed restoration will be affixed to the top of the titanium base and your new tooth will look and feel just like your surrounding teeth.

Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants
Many people receive dental implants to restore their smile as well as function of their mouth to accurately chew and speak. Some other benefits of dental implants include:

• They can last up to 20 years
• Dental implants do not damage surrounding teeth
• Dental implants are very secure since they are fused to your jawbone
• Dental implants require little to no maintenance

Although dental implants can accurately replace a missing tooth and last a long time, there are some downsides to the restoration which include:

• Long healing process 
• Higher upfront cost that may not be covered by insurance

What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap between one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns that sit on both sides of the gap called abutment teeth that act as anchors to hold the replacement tooth in place. The replacement tooth is referred to as a pontic and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is held in place by the abutment teeth. Dental bridges are traditionally supported by natural teeth or have the option to be supported by implants. 

Dental Bridge Process
During your first appointment to receive a dental bridge, your abutment teeth will first be prepared. Preparation involves recontouring your teeth beside the gap of the missing tooth to remove enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over top of them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made to serve as a model from which the pontic, bridge, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. While your custom bridge is being made in the lab, you will be sent home with a temporary bridge to protect your teeth. During your second visit, you will be fitted with your custom bridge and will be adjusted to ensure correct fit and comfort. 

Pros And Cons Of Dental Bridges
Similar to dental implants, dental bridges can restore your smile as well as restore the proper ability to chew and speak. Some additional benefits of dental bridges include:

• Less costly than dental implants
• Dental bridges require less time to produce and a shorter time to heal 
• Invasive surgery is not required

Dental bridges offer a less costly way to replace a missing tooth and are generally easier to replace in the future. However, there are some downsides to this type of restoration which include:

• Dental bridges have to be replaced once every 5-7 years
• Require strong, healthy surrounding teeth for the bridge to stay in place
• Can damage surrounding teeth
• Increased risk of developing cavities and tooth decay than implants

Need To Replace A Missing Tooth? Visit Dr. Korol For Your Next Dental Exam In Calgary

There are several options for you when it comes to replacing a missing tooth. It is important that you educate yourself on the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which type of restoration would suit your needs and lifestyle the best. If you value cost, you may want to consider a dental bridge. However, if you wish to have a more long-term solution that offers a more natural appearance, a dental implant may be the best option for you. To help you decide, book an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options as well as what they think would best suit your needs. 

If you are in need of a tooth replacement, book an appointment with Dr. Korol today by calling 1-403-245-9099, or by filling out our online contact form. Our dental office is a leading holistic and biocompatible dentistry practice in Calgary that offers dental services such as dental implants, dental bridges, teeth whitening, Invisalign® treatments, and more. Book your appointment for advice from Calgary’s leading holistic dentist, Dr. Korol.

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