Both dental implants and dental bridges are ideal options for the replacement of missing teeth. However, they differ in various factors such as benefits, cost, procedure, and durability.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant refers to a permanent solution that is ideal for missing teeth. It consists of a titanium post, which is a biocompatible material surgically placed into the jawbone.
The main purpose of dental implants is to get the functionality and appearance of missing teeth. A dentist in Plano may help to design implants in such a way that they look and function like natural teeth.
- How dental implants work
Dental implants may be painful as it involves surgically placing the titanium post into the jawbone. Dentists make it painless by giving local anesthesia. Once the implant gets placed, the titanium post and bone undergo osseointegration. In this process, the bone gets infused with implants that provide stability.
After the completion of osseointegration, a small connector gets attached to the mplant. To restore the function and appearance of the tooth, a customized connector gets attached to the implant.
Advantages of dental implants
Some advantages of dental implants are as follows:
1 . Durability and Longevity: By choosing different types of dental implants, you can be assured of a permanent solution for missing teeth. Along with proper care, they can last for more than 20 years which makes them the most durable dental option in comparison to bridges or dentures that only last for 10 to 15 years. They provide strong foundation which can handle chewing forces in the same way as natural teeth do.
2. Appearance and Feel:
Dental implants are made according to the patient that matches the shape, size, and color of natural teeth. They also blend smoothly with your smile as the dental crown is created in such a way that it looks like the original. As the implant integrates with the bone, it is more like a natural tooth in comparison to bridges or dentures that can become loose after some time.
3. Oral Health Benefits:
When a tooth gets lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate, and implants help in stimulating the bone by osseointegration that preserves bone density. It prevents any further bone loss. One of the oral health benefits of the dental implant procedures is that it does not affect the surrounding teeth. They are easier to clean than the bridges which adds to long-term oral health.
Disadvantages Of Dental Implants
You must follow some do’s and don’ts after dental implants as they may prevent you from facing any consequences. Some disadvantages of the implant surgery are discussed as follows:
- Cost consideration:
Dental implants are more expensive than dentures or bridges, as they cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per implant, which does not include any extra treatment such as bone grafting. Many dental insurance coverage plans may include dental implants, whereas others may not, as it is an advanced dental procedure.
- Procedure complexity and time
Dental implant procedures may take a long time to heal such as several months. Some patients find the timeline lengthy in comparison to bridges or dentures that can be done in just a few weeks. Implants generally involve surgery that helps to place titanium posts in the jawbone.
- Potential complications
In dental implants in Plano, there is a risk of complications or infection during the healing procedure. In some complicated cases, implants fail to get fused with the bone, which may lead to their removal. In the case of upper jaw implants, there is an added risk of an implant that may protrude into the sinus cavity. In special cases, nerves in the jaw may also get affected which may lead to gum irritation or numbness.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
- Definition and Purpose:
A dental bridge refers to a prosthetic device that helps to replace one or many missing teeth. It helps to bridge the gap as it gets attached to the adjacent teeth. Generally, the bridge consists of artificial teeth that get attached to the neighboring implants or teeth.
- How Dental Bridges Work:
The working of dental bridges is done in 4 steps:
1 . Preparation of Adjacent Teeth:
When your dentist places a dental bridge, they will first prepare the teeth, and then it is filled to make space for crowns that may help in holding the bridge.
2. Impression and Custom Design:
After the abutment teeth are shaped, your dentist will take your mouth impression, which helps to create a customized bridge. The artificial tooth, or pontic is designed in such a way that it matches the color, shape, and size of the missing teeth.
3. Temporary Bridge:
While the bridge is being customized, the patient gets fitted witha temporary bridge that will protect the teeth and will help in filling the gap.
4. Final Bridge Placement:
When the customized bridge is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and then place a permanent bridge. The permanent bridge is secured by dental cement.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
- Quick Fix for Missing Teeth: Dental bridges provide a quick solution in comparison to dental implants owing to healing time and osseointegration process. Bridges help to provide immediate results for the patients that will help to restore the ability to chew properly and smile.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Dental bridges are budget-friendly in comparison to dental implants. Dental insurance plans may cover a part of dental implants whereas in other plans it may not be covered.
- Minimal Invasive Procedure: Bridges does not require surgery; it only requires reshaping of the surrounding teeth, unlike dental implants. Due to this, the bridges recover quickly and are less invasive procedures.
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
- Longevity Concerns: Dental bridges may last for about 5 to 15 years. However, the time span depends on other materials used and your oral hygiene. The time duration is less than implants, which may last for nearly 20 years. With time, bridges may wear down, and they may be replaced.
- Aesthetic Limitations: Dental bridges may not blend as smoothly as dental implants do. Therefore, they provide a less natural appearance in comparison to implants. In bridges, the artificial teeth or pontics may not have a similar color variation or transparency as the natural teeth.
- Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Dental bridges tend to weaken the teeth structure that can lead to various dental issues such as cracks or decay. This happens because the adjacent teeth needs to be filed down and needs to be changes for crowns accommodation.
It is important to maintain the bridge as it may cause complications such as gum recession across the crowns that can not only affect the appearance of bridge but also expose metal present underneath.
Comparing dental implants and bridges: Key Differentiators
| Differentiators | Dental implants | Bridges |
|---|---|---|
| Initial costs | More expensive with costs between $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth | More affordable with costs between $700 to $2,500 |
| Long-term investment | Upfront expenses are high. However, they can last for a lifetime. | They need to be replaced after every 5 to 15 years |
| Procedure | Implants require surgery to place the titanium post in the jawbone | It is a quick process as bridges only need 2 to 3 dental visits |
| Recovery time | Recovery time of implants is between 3 to 6 months | Recovery time of bridges is minimal with mild discomfort |
| Invasiveness | More invasive owing to surgery and involves risk of complications such as infection or may result in implant failure | Bridges are less invasive as they only involve reshaping of the adjacent teeth that helps to accommodate the crowns instead of surgery |
| Lifespan | Implants can last for a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. | Dental bridges may last for 5 to 15 years and duration may vary on the basis of oral care and materials used |
| Durability | More durable than bridges | Less durable than implants |
| Maintenance | It is important to keep implants healthy with brushing and flossing | Requires regular cleaning to prevent decay of the teeth |
| Suitability based on oral health and needs | Implants are best for those who have good oral health and enough bone mass to provide support. In case of bone loss, bone grafting may be required. | Bridges are ideal for those who have one or more teeth missing. |
Consulting with a dental professional for personalized advice
While you are making a decision to choose between dental implants or bridges, you must consult with an expert dentist at Pinnacle Dental. They will provide you right guidance and advice on which dental treatment will suit you on the basis of budget, oral health, long-term requirements, and preferences.
