Implants Vs. Bridge, which is right for you? When you’re given options regarding your dental care, it can be hard to decide which route is best for you. Knowing the differences can help you make a better decision. Perhaps our dentist in Raleigh, NC told you that in order to replace your missing tooth, you could either have an implant or a dental bridge. Are you confused because you don’t know anything about either one? That’s ok!
What is a Dental Bridge?
Implants Vs. Bridge, first let’s talk about what is a bridge. Bridge is a prosthetic restoration that’s fabricated at a dental laboratory. They’re custom fitted and made. So, in order to get a bridge, you need an impression taken.
If replacing one tooth, a bridge is basically an artificial tooth that is placed where the space is. Connected on either side of the pontic tooth are shells of porcelain material that slide over the supporting teeth adjacent to space. So, in the case of replacing one missing tooth, our Raleigh dentist has to reduce the size of both neighbouring teeth in order for the bridge to fit over it without being too bulky. The restoration can be made of several different materials. Some kinds include porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), zirconia, and even gold. Your bridge will be bonded over your teeth with a permanent cement.
What is a Dental Implant?
An implant is an artificial root that is placed within the bone of where you have a missing tooth. Once the implant is placed, the bone will fuse to it and secure it tightly within the jaw. This process takes about three months or so. When our Raleigh dentist says the implant is fully integrated, we can proceed to add a “tooth” (crown) on top of it. The crown is permanently cemented over a part called an abutment, which is an attachment that is inserted at the top of the implant.
What are Some of the Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges?
Pros:
- Quick process
- Lasts a long time
- Can make adjacent teeth look better
- A bridge is permanently attached
- Supporting crowns protect the supporting teeth
Cons:
- Involves other teeth that otherwise don’t need any dental work done to them.
- If one tooth decays under the bridge, the whole thing needs to be replaced.
- If the bridge breaks, then the entire restoration needs to be changed out.
Pros and Cons of a Dental Implant:
Pros:
- Doesn’t require alteration to otherwise healthy, neighboring teeth
- Can last a lifetime
- A fixed tooth replacement solution (not removable)
- Able to replace single or multiple teeth
Cons:
- You may not have enough jaw bone to support an implant
- Takes time to complete the process
- Can fail if you develop gum disease
Whatever dental options you’re faced with, the experienced staff of Raleigh Dental Arts is here to help educate you on your options and answer all of the questions you have. We don’t ever want you to feel like you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Call today for your consultation and we’ll ensure that you have all the resources available to make the right decision regarding your oral health. Be sure to know which is right one for you Implants Vs. bridge.
