Modern dentistry offers various solutions for replacing missing teeth. Some of the most common treatments for replacing missing teeth include dental implants and bridges. Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth, and the fake tooth is later attached to the titanium post. Dental bridges are made up of crowns on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth, and a fake tooth is suspended between the two crowns.
Both implants and bridges have their own benefits, and determining which is right for you will depend on your medical needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. If you would like to explore treatment options for your missing teeth, you should consult with an experienced dentist. A skilled dentist will examine your oral health and medical history to see if implants or bridges are better for you. At Dental Specialties Northwest, our talented dentists are ready to help you improve your quality of life, starting with your smile.
How Do Dental Implants and Bridges Differ?
Dental implants and bridges are not the same. On the one hand, dental implants involve undergoing oral surgery. An oral surgeon implants a titanium post into the jawbone in place of the missing tooth. Once the patient has healed from the initial procedure, the new tooth in the form of bridge, crown, or dentures will be placed onto the titanium post.
Many dentists recommend dental implants because they are an excellent option for preventing bone loss and preserving oral health. When a tooth falls out, the jawbone lacks stimulation and can begin to decay over time. The implant will fuse with the jawbone and spur regeneration. When cared for properly, dental implants are a long-lasting treatment option for replacing missing teeth.
On the other hand, getting a bridge does not involve oral surgery, and many people choose to get bridges when they are not good candidates for surgery. Bridges are essentially made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth gap. The crowns are attached to the abutment teeth (teeth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth), and the fake tooth is suspended between the two crowns. Most often, the abutment teeth must lose some enamel when being prepped for the crowns. Bridges are the more traditional and less invasive option for replacing missing teeth, and they have been relied on by dentists for many years.
How to Choose Between Dental Implants and Bridges
Both dental implants and bridges have their own unique benefits. An experienced dentist can explain why one treatment option might better suit a patient than another. The following are some of the main benefits of implants and bridges:
- Benefits of Implants:
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- Stability: Implants offer more stability because they are anchored into the jawbone.
- Less Damage to Abutment Teeth: Implants do not require surrounding teeth to be altered or prepped for crowns.
- Feels Natural: The implant essentially stands in for the root of the missing tooth because it is placed directly into the jawbone.
- Last Longer: With proper care, implants last longer than bridges.
- Benefits of Bridges:
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- Less Invasive: Implants require oral surgery, but bridges do not.
- More Budget-Friendly: Because they involve less invasive procedures, bridges do not cost as much as dental implants.
- Quicker Results: Bridges can be completed much faster than dental implants, thus offering a more immediate solution for missing teeth.
Patients should be aware of the benefits of both implants and bridges so they can make the most informed decisions. When you work with us, we create a personalized treatment plan for you. We will take your medical needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget into consideration when we recommend either dental implants or bridges as the solution for your missing teeth. For example, some patients are not good candidates for oral surgery due to preexisting health conditions or age; therefore, implants would not be a good option for them.
Contact Dental Specialties Northwest Today to Discuss Whether Implants or Bridges Are Right for You
Dental implants and bridges are both great options when it comes to replacing missing teeth. While implants are the more permanent solution, bridges are the quicker and less invasive option. You should consult with one of our experienced dentists to see which is right for you. We will consider your budget, oral health, and medical history when deciding which treatment option would best fit your needs.
At Dental Specialties Northwest, our team is dedicated to helping patients restore their smiles and improve their overall oral health. To schedule an appointment, you can call 206-682-8200 or fill out our online contact form today.
