Dental Implants vs. Bridges

Today, tooth loss is extremely common among adults. It is estimated that approximately 69 percent of adults falling under the 35 to 44 age group loses at least one adult tooth. However, if you lose even a single tooth, it becomes necessary to replace it to keep the remaining teeth appropriately aligned. 

Dental implants and bridges are the two most effective procedures for replacing the tooth. But the question now is, “Which one to have?” 

To get an answer, read on.

What Are Dental Implants?

The bone, nerves, and ligaments also get removed when a tooth gets removed, thereby slowly deteriorating the remaining teeth. Dental implants act as a substitute for the whole structure of the missing teeth. A metal post allows new bone to grow around this implanted structure and, once it is fully secured, the dentist will screw a crown on the implant and bond it into its place.

Benefits of Dental Implants

The benefits of dental implants are:

• It gives less burden to the surrounding teeth.
• It promotes the healing of bones and gums underneath the teeth.
• It reduces the long-term risks imposed on the jaw.
• Sometimes, highly qualified dental implants last for a lifetime.

What Are Bridges?

Earlier, the bridge was the only option available to replace a missing tooth. Today, it benefits people with not just one missing tooth, but even those with missing multiple teeth. As the name suggests, it bridges the gap between the neighboring teeth. But, to secure the bridge, anchoring to one or more surrounding teeth is needed. Here, the surrounding teeth are filed down to make them support the procedure.

It does not replace the whole tooth down to the root, unlike dental implants. As mentioned, they are supported by the surrounding teeth for attaching the crown.

Benefits of Bridges

The benefits of bridges are:

• They are considered the most cost-effective method for the teeth replacement process.
• They do not need grafting of bone in case a patient has lost some bone density.
• It is a quicker process of replacing the missing tooth.

Dental Implants vs Bridges: Which One to Choose?

Dental Implants are a very effective but relatively costly procedure. But, though implants are expensive, they tend to last longer than bridges and do not require any kind of replacement. On the other hand, bridges are cost-effective, and insurance most likely covers some of the cost. Choosing between these two dental procedures entirely depends on you and your consultation with the dentist since they will consider all the issues and act accordingly.

All Care Dentistry offers customized dental implants and bridges and other comprehensive dental services provided by David Powell, DDS. For more details and appointments, call us at (801) 266-1414, book online, or visit us at 6065 S Fashion Blvd # 275, Murray, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.