What are the things you need to know between a dental bridge vs. an implant? When is one better than the other? If you are not comfortable wearing dentures, dental bridges and implants are the alternatives to replace missing teeth. However, each tooth replacement choice has its unique pros and cons. Also, various factors are necessary to consider before deciding which is the better treatment for you. Some dental offices are using advanced technology that can provide a high-quality and effective dental treatment. One clinic that we recommend is Parramatta Green Dental.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant: What is the Difference?
Fixed dental bridges and dental implants are both used as teeth or tooth replacements. These two are entirely different from one another and have certain impacts on your oral health. Understanding some factors, particularly some health conditions, can help make the treatment last.
A dental implant has a metal post or screw that a dentist inserted into the jaw. Then, they will place a crown, called pontic, over the artificial tooth root. The design of pontic is typically similar to the presence of a natural tooth. When set up in a healthy mouth and appropriately cared for, a dental implant can remain in excellent condition for several years.
On the other hand, a fixed dental bridge is made up of many crowns. Two crowns will be attached to the two neighboring teeth of the missing tooth or teeth. Then, a dentist will attach one or more added crowns as a replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. Unlike a dental implant, the settlement of a dental bridge does not need a surgical procedure. In any case, it can last as long as 20 years or more when properly cared for.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant: What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages
Dental bridges and implants can both possibly convey natural-looking outcomes. However, each tooth replacement option has its advantages and disadvantages.+
Advantages of Dental Bridges
- does not need bone grafting procedure or invasive surgery
- likely to be included by insurance
- frequently, lower expense compared to dental implants
- only requires two visits to your dentist
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
- loses a natural-looking presence with age
- require to be replaced each 5 to 7 years, even though a dental bridge can last over ten years
- surrounding teeth are more prone to tooth decay and cavities compared to implants
- can harm the healthy neighboring teeth of a missing tooth
Advantages of Dental Implants
- they are the longest-lasting option on the market which can last more than 15 years
- preserve natural-looking appearance longer
- do not damage the neighboring teeth of a missing tooth
- the very high success rate
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- higher expense. Read this post to learn more how implants cost.
- less liable to be covered by insurance
- the completion of the procedure can take up to six months
- prone to surgical complications
Dental Bridge vs. Implant: Factors of the Cost
Dental bridges are usually less expensive than implants, and insurance may include at least some of the expense. The costs can change depending on the following factors.
- Material used
- Type of bridge or implant you are going to get
- The extensiveness of the process
- Location of your residence
The cost of a low-end dental bridge is about $500 per tooth, while the expensive bridges can cost up to $1,200. Nonetheless, this does exclude the cost of the dental crown that attaches the tooth to your adjacent teeth. The price of the dental crown can range between $500 to $2,500 per tooth.
Insurance is less likely to include the expense of dental implants. It can typically cost about $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth.
Although dental implants cost more, they incline to age better compared to bridges and do not require to be replaced as frequently.
Dental implant vs. bridge: How to Choose the Best For you?
Only a dentist can give you a suitable recommendation about the best tooth replacement for your condition. The ideal option for you relies upon your spending plan, the number of teeth you are missing, and the state of your oral health and general wellbeing.
Cost
If you have dental insurance, it is possible to include dental bridges than implants. If you don’t have one and the two choices are out of your budget, you may talk to a dentist about other alternatives.
Number of Missing Teeth
If you have more than one consecutive missing tooth, a bridge is likely a preferred choice over an implant. A different dental implant should be surgically attached to your jawbone for every missing tooth, prompting costly and often impractical surgery.
Time
The whole procedure of getting a dental implant can take months. On the other hand, a dental bridge can be completed in two dental visits spread two or three weeks.
When receiving dental implants, a surgeon will penetrate your jawbone and connect the metal post of the implant deep down. They may place an impermanent denture while your bone is in the healing period.
Then, you will need to wait two to six months for the bone to recover before the dentist can add a dental crown.
Overall health
Since dental implants require a surgical procedure, good oral health and overall health are necessary. Hence, this procedure may not be an alternative for individuals with ailments that slow down healing. These include:
People Suffer from Diabetes
A dental implant is more prone to fail when placed in people with diabetes than in healthy conditions. Slow injury healing and the increment in the possibility of infection in a person with diabetes are two reasons for a dental implant to be failed.
People Suffer from Gum Disease
Gum diseases are loaded up with bacteria that can promote a severe dental implant infection known as peri-implantitis. This disease can rapidly prompt implant failure. If you have gum disease, it is essential to improve your gum and oral health before dental implant surgery.
Some individuals have a hard time eliminating gum disease, and for those individuals, a dental bridge is a better alternative than an implant. Since the dentist does not insert bridges into the gum tissue, this dental device is less likely to be influenced by gum disease. However, dental bridges can promote dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease without a proper oral health routine.
People who Smoke Cigarettes
Smoking or using any tobacco products can increase implant failure. Smoking cigarettes slices off blood supply to gum tissue, which can interrupt the healing process. No injuries are necessary to heal when placing dental bridges. So, smoking is probably not going to influence the procedure.
People Who Take Some Medications
Numerous medications can expand the chance of dental implant failure when consuming routinely. These include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and an osteoporosis medicine called a bisphosphonate.
If you take one of these drugs, you can likely still get a dental implant. However, if you consume more than one of these medications, you may consider getting a dental bridge instead.
Theprrerequisites for dental implant surgery are excellent overall health and a sufficiently healthy jawbone to support the implant. Go to this site to read further.
Conclusion
Dental bridges and implants are two choices for replacing a missing tooth. Most dental insurances cover a dental bridge which is more affordable than implant surgery.
If expenses are not a significant concern and you have good oral health and overall health, dental implants might be the better choice since they last more. Plus, they do not harm your surrounding teeth. A dentist can help you decide which alternative is ideal for your condition. You can visit Carindale Family Dentist’s clinic near Mt. Gravatt if you need to know if dental implants is a good option for you.